PsychologyAugust 24, 2026

embarrassability

im-BAIR-uh-suh-BIL-ih-tee

Definition

The degree or tendency to which a person feels embarrassment, particularly in response to social evaluation or the perceived breaking of social norms.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 'embarrass,' which comes from the French 'embarrasser,' meaning to block or encumber, and the Latin 'barra,' meaning bar or gate.

In the news

The article uses this term to distinguish a personality trait of caring deeply about social appropriateness from the trait of shyness, which involves low social confidence.

Those who cringe most are often the ones who care most.

Read the full article ↗

Psychology Today

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