Embarrassment seems likely to serve three basic functions. First, it serves as a pacification gesture to others by signaling that the violation was unintended and that it will not likely be repeated. Second, the intense dread of experiencing this emotion probably deters us from repeating whatever behaviours triggered the state. ----. Just as physical pain alerts us to threats to our physical well-being, embarrassment alerts us to threats to our social well-being. Third, embarrassment motivates us to undo the social damage and restore the esteem of others.