Crossword Genius

Adult beaten becomes embarrassed (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abashed

'embarrassed' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'adult beaten' is the wordplay.
'adult' becomes 'a' (abbreviation).
'beaten' becomes 'bashed'.
'a'+'bashed'='ABASHED'

'becomes' is the link.

(Other definitions for abashed that I've seen before include "taken aback" , "Made ashamed" , "Embarrassed or disconcerted" , "Ill at ease" , "floored" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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