'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 fear,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to cause embarrassment or shame.'