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Scandalize: meaning, definitions and examples

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scandalize

 

[ ˈskændəˌlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

to shock deeply

To scandalize someone means to shock or horrify them, often by violating social norms or ethics. This term is often used in situations that provoke outrage or disbelief. The action can lead to public disapproval or severe consequences.

Synonyms

appall, horrify, outrage, shock

Examples of usage

  • The politician's remarks scandalized the public.
  • Her bold fashion choices often scandalize her conservative friends.
  • The documentary scandalized viewers with its graphic content.
  • The book scandalized the literary community when it was published.
  • He managed to scandalize the entire community with a single tweet.

Translations

Translations of the word "scandalize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escandalizar

🇮🇳 स्कैंडलाइज करना

🇩🇪 skandalisieren

🇮🇩 mengguncang

🇺🇦 скандалізувати

🇵🇱 skandalizować

🇯🇵 スキャンダライズする

🇫🇷 scandaliser

🇪🇸 escandalizar

🇹🇷 skandala yol açmak

🇰🇷 스캔들화하다

🇸🇦 يسبب فضيحة

🇨🇿 skandalisovat

🇸🇰 skandalizovať

🇨🇳 丑闻化

🇸🇮 skandalizirati

🇮🇸 skandalísera

🇰🇿 скандалға айналдыру

🇬🇪 სკანდალიზება

🇦🇿 skandal yaratmaq

🇲🇽 escandalizar

Word origin

The term 'scandalize' comes from the Middle English word 'scandalisen', which is derived from the Old French 'scandaliser', itself borrowed from the Latin 'scandalizāre'. The Latin term originates from 'scandālum', meaning 'stumbling block' or 'trap', which is related to the Greek word 'skandalon'. Historically, the word has been associated with causing a moral sensation or offense, particularly in relation to religious or social customs. Over the centuries, 'scandalize' has evolved to encompass not just moral shock, but any form of astonishment or disapproval that arises from an unexpected or inappropriate action. Its usage has been particularly prominent in discussions surrounding celebrity culture, politics, and social media in contemporary society, as public figures often find themselves under scrutiny for actions that may scandalize their audience.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,943, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.