embarrass

C1 · Advanced Formal

v. to make a situation or a person's mind feel confused or complicated.

v. to perplex or disconcert mentally; to make a situation more difficult to deal with through complexity.

“The new rules only serve to embarrass the process further.”

“The unexpected legal challenge served to embarrass the negotiations, forcing both parties to reconsider their initial demands.”

C2 · Proficiency Formal · Literary

v. to slow down or block movement or progress.

v. to hinder from liberty of movement; to impede or obstruct progress or action.

“The heavy snow embarrassed our efforts to reach the mountain top.”

“The narrow corridors were designed to embarrass the movement of any invading force, creating natural choke points for the defenders.”

C2 · Proficiency Formal · Technical

v. to cause someone or a company to have serious money problems or debt.

v. to involve in difficulties concerning financial matters; to encumber with debt or urgent claims.

“The company was embarrassed by a sudden lack of cash to pay its workers.”

“The estate became heavily embarrassed by the previous owner's extravagant spending and poorly managed investments.”