Pronunciation: [ɐbˈaʃɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "abashing" is spelled /əˈbæʃɪŋ/. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/ followed by a short "a" sound /æ/. The second syllable starts with a voiced "b" sound /b/ followed by an "ash" sound /æʃ/. The ending is pronounced with a short "i" sound /ɪŋ/. "Abashing" means to cause someone to feel embarrassed or ashamed. It is an uncommon word, but a useful one to express a specific type of emotion.
Abashing is a verb that refers to the act of causing someone to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or self-conscious due to one's words, actions, or behavior. It involves disconcerting or unsettling an individual, often resulting in a loss of confidence or unease.
When someone is abashed, they may exhibit physical or verbal signs of discomfort, such as blushing, stumbling over their words, or avoiding eye contact. Abashing is often unintentional, as it arises from situations or interactions that catch someone off guard or surprise them in a negative way.
The emotion of abashing can occur in various circumstances, such as when someone is publicly criticized, ridiculed, or humiliated. It can also emerge from personal failures or mistakes that lead to feelings of embarrassment and shame. Abashing is commonly associated with social situations, where individuals may feel judged or scrutinized by others.
The term can also be used metaphorically, such as when an event or situation causes someone to feel embarrassed or humiliated without the direct involvement of others. For example, being late for an important meeting can abash an individual, making them feel embarrassed by their lack of punctuality.
Overall, abashing is a verb that describes the act of causing someone to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or self-conscious through words, actions, or behavior that unsettles or disconcerts them.
The word "abash" derives from Middle English "abassen", which came from Old French "esbahir", meaning "to astonish, embarrass". This Old French term may have originated from the Vulgar Latin word "basiare", which means "to kiss", but also developed the sense of overwhelming or shocking someone. Over time, "esbahir" evolved into "abash" in Middle English and eventually gave rise to the modern form "abashing", meaning to make someone feel embarrassed or ashamed.
