abashment

The story

1. Middle French · derived fromabaissement“astonishment”
2. Middle English · inherited fromabaisshment
3. English todayabashment

From Middle English abaisshment, from Middle French abaissement (“astonishment”) alteration of esbaissement, from esbaiss + -ment. Compare French ébahissement. Equivalent to abash + -ment.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• First attested from 1350 to 1470. The state of feeling abashed; embarrassment from shame; timid shyness as from one's modesty being challenged.