Main Entry: abash

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈbash\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English abaishen, from Anglo-French abaiss-, abair to astonish, alteration of esbair, from ex- + baer to open wide, gape — more at abeyance

Date: 14th century

: to destroy the self-possession or self-confidence of : disconcert

synonyms see embarrass

— abash·ment \-mənt\ noun