What term is used for causing someone to feel shame or embarrassment?

The term that specifically refers to causing someone to feel shame or embarrassment is "humiliate." This word conveys the action of making someone feel ashamed or foolish, often in a public context. When someone is humiliated, it typically involves a scenario where their dignity or self-respect is compromised, leading to feelings of embarrassment and discomfort.

Other terms in the context may share some overlapping meanings but are used differently. For example, "disgrace" implies a loss of reputation or honor, which could result from actions that might humiliate someone. "Shame" refers more to a personal feeling of guilt or inadequacy, rather than the act of causing that feeling in someone else. "Degrade" suggests lowering someone’s worth or dignity, but it doesn’t necessarily convey the specific emotional response of embarrassment that "humiliate" does. Thus, "humiliate" captures the essence of causing shame or embarrassment accurately.