What does debarrass mean?
"Debarrass" is a rare English verb meaning to rid oneself of a burden, encumbrance, or unwanted person or thing — essentially, to be set free from whatever weighs one down. Borrowed into English from the French "débarrasser," it carries a formal, literary flavor and today survives mainly in older or deliberately elevated prose. It is typically used reflexively, as in "she debarrassed herself of her obligations," though it can take other constructions. The word shares deep roots with "embarrass": both trace back through French to Spanish and ultimately Italian terms connected with barring or obstructing. Where "embarrass" suggests being caught up or hindered, however, "debarrass" describes the opposite motion — a clearing away, an unburdening. Though seldom encountered in everyday speech, it offers writers a precise and elegant alternative to more common words like "rid" or "free," lending a sentence a touch of classical polish.
verbTo free or rid oneself of a burden, encumbrance, or unwanted person or thing; to disencumber. A rare and somewhat formal word borrowed from French.
- To rid or free oneself of a burden, encumbrance, or troublesome person or thing; to disencumber.
"She finally debarrassed herself of the obligations that had weighed on her for years."
"He debarrassed himself of his debts by selling the family estate."
"The committee sought to debarrass the agenda of outdated items."
While "embarrass" makes you squirm, its forgotten cousin "debarrass" sets you free — literally to strip away whatever weighs you down.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of debarrass
"Debarrass" entered English in the late 17th century by borrowing from the French "débarrasser," formed from the prefix "dé-" plus "embarrasser." Both French verbs ultimately derive from Spanish "embarazar" and Italian "imbarazzare," which themselves connect to Latin "bara" or "braca," related to barring or obstructing — the same lineage that gave English both "embarrass" and "embargo." The prefix "de-" reverses the sense, turning obstruction into removal.
Related word forms
How debarrass is actually used
"Debarrass" is rare and literary in modern English, carrying a formal, slightly archaic tone. It is almost always used reflexively ("debarrass oneself of") and appears chiefly in older or elevated prose. Most contemporary writers would prefer "rid oneself of," "unburden," or "disencumber."
Easily confused with debarrass
"Embarrass" means to cause someone to feel self-conscious or awkward, while "debarrass" means to rid someone of a burden or encumbrance — they share Latin roots but differ entirely in meaning.