Feeling self-conscious, ashamed, or awkward due to one's actions, circumstances, or appearance. The emotion involves discomfort caused by awareness of having done something foolish or inappropriate.
From French embarrasser, originally meaning 'to block or obstruct,' from Spanish embarazar. The root comes from Portuguese embaraçar, ultimately from Latin in- (in) and a Germanic word related to 'bar.' The sense evolved from physical obstruction to psychological discomfort by the 18th century.
Embarrassment serves an important social function by helping us recognize when we've violated social norms and motivating us to repair relationships or adjust our behavior. Interestingly, the ability to feel embarrassment is considered a sign of emotional intelligence and social awareness.
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