A feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness when you think others are judging you. It can also mean a situation that causes such feelings.
From French 'embarras' meaning 'obstacle, difficulty, confusion,' from 'embarrasser' (to block, hinder), likely from Spanish 'embarazar' (to obstruct), related to 'barra' (bar). The original idea was being blocked or tangled up, not knowing how to move.
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