'abash' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'abair,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'bair' meant 'to gape or open wide.'

'abair' transformed into the Middle English word 'abashen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abash'.

Initially, it meant 'to open wide in surprise or shock,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to embarrass or disconcert.'