avergonzar
verbCEFR B2
What does “avergonzar” mean in English?
to embarrass, to shame
to embarrass, to shame (public exposure of a failing; avergonzarse de = to feel ashamed of)
Example sentences
Las imágenes que circularon por las redes sociales avergonzaron al equipo directivo ante el conjunto de la empresa.
The images circulating on social media embarrassed the management team in front of the whole company.
Se avergonzó de sus comentarios anteriores y pidió disculpas públicamente en la rueda de prensa.
She was ashamed of her earlier comments and apologised publicly at the press conference.
Es difícil no avergonzar a alguien cuando se señalan sus errores delante de sus compañeros.
It is hard not to embarrass someone when pointing out their mistakes in front of their colleagues.
How to use it
Avergonzar means 'to embarrass' or 'to shame'. The reflexive avergonzarse (de) means 'to be ashamed (of)' or 'to feel embarrassed'. Note the stem change: avergüenzo (the u umlaut in the present tense: avergüenzo, avergüenzas, avergüenza, avergonzamos, avergonzáis, avergüenzan). At B2, both the transitive (the results embarrassed the minister) and reflexive (she was embarrassed) uses are expected. Don't confuse with humillar (to humiliate) — avergonzar involves social or public exposure of a failing, while humillar is more deliberately cruel.
Common mistake
The stem change in present tense trips up learners: avergüenzo (not *avergonzo). The reflexive avergonzarse de means 'to feel ashamed of something' — note the de. Distinguish from dar vergüenza, which is the gustar-type construction: me da vergüenza (I feel embarrassed). All three patterns are B2 productive targets.