Embarrass a party (5)

I believe the answer is:

abash

'embarrass' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'a party' is the wordplay.
'party' becomes 'bash' (term for a party or celebration).
'a'+'bash'='ABASH'

(Other definitions for abash that I've seen before include "Cause to feel 4" , "Affront" , "Make embarrassed or ashamed" , "Cause embarrassment" , "Cause to feel ashamed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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