Prudery: meaning, definitions and examples

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prudery

 

[ หˆpruห.dษ™r.i ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

Prudery is the tendency to be easily shocked or offended by matters relating to sex or nudity. It reflects an excessive concern for propriety and modesty in sexual behavior, often associated with traditional or conservative values. Individuals who display prudery may shun discussions or representations of sexual topics and may enforce strict moral standards in social settings. This behavior can lead to discomfort in situations that involve open expressions of sexuality or intimate relationships.

Synonyms

decency, modesty, puritanism, reserve

Examples of usage

  • Her prudery made it difficult for her to discuss her feelings about relationships.
  • The film was criticized for its prudery in avoiding any explicit content.
  • He viewed the prudery of his colleagues as outdated and unnecessarily restrictive.

Translations

Translations of the word "prudery" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น prudรชncia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเค‚เค•เฅ‹เคš

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sittsamkeit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pruderi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟัƒั€ะธั‚ะฐะฝัั‚ะฒะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ pruderia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ—ใƒซใƒผใƒ‡ใƒชใ‚บใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท prude

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ puritanismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tutuculuk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ธˆ์š•์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุญูุธ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pruderie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pruderizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ŸœๆŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pudica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ puritanismi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟัƒั€ะธั‚ะฐะฝะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒ แƒฃแƒ“แƒ”แƒ แƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pruderizm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ pudor

Etymology

The word 'prudery' originated in the early 19th century, deriving from the French word 'prude,' which means 'prudent' or 'wise.' This French term had roots in the Latin word 'providens,' meaning 'provident' or 'foresighted.' Initially, the term in English referred to a characteristic of exhibiting discretion or carefulness. However, over time, the connotation shifted to signify a more negative traitโ€”excessive modesty and a tendency to avoid discussions of sexuality. The term reflects societal attitudes toward sexuality and has been influenced by varying cultural norms regarding modesty and prudence. As societies evolved, so did the meanings attached to prudery, often positioning it in contrast to movements advocating for sexual openness and expression.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,176 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.