Debarrass

Debarrass

də̇ˈbarəs

Verb

  • To disembarrass especially by removing what impedes or encumbers.

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Example Sentences

“The estate sale helped debarrass the family of its debts.”

“The cleanup debarrassed the hallway of several large boxes.”

“The new policy was designed to debarrass the process of needless delays.”

Word Origin

French, late 16th century

Why this word?

Despite the similarities in spelling, “debarrass” is not the opposite of “embarrass.” In the definition of the word, “disembarrass” means “to free from embarrassment, impediment, or superfluity.” The usage of “debarrass,” meanwhile, refers specifically to the removal of impediments or superfluities (extras). You might say, “I debarrassed her of her umbrella and coat once she was inside and away from the rain.” It’s a formal word, from the French “débarrasser,” of the same meaning, but it’s still useful for situations in which a great burden has been lifted. 

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