scandal

[skan-dl]

noun

1. a disgraceful or discreditable action, circumstance, etc.

2. an offense caused by a fault or misdeed.

3. damage to reputation; public disgrace.

   Synonyms: ignominy, opprobrium, disrepute, shame, dishonor, discredit

4. defamatory talk; malicious gossip.

   Synonyms: obloquy, aspersion, calumny, slander
   Antonyms: praise, honor

5. a person whose conduct brings disgrace or offense.

verb (used with object)

scandaled, scandaling , scandalled, scandalling .

1. British Dialect.,  to defame (someone) by spreading scandal.

2. Obsolete.,  to disgrace.

scandal

/ ˈskændəl /

noun

1. a disgraceful action or event

   his negligence was a scandal

2. censure or outrage arising from an action or event

3. a person whose conduct causes reproach or disgrace

4. malicious talk, esp gossip about the private lives of other people

5. law a libellous action or statement

verb

1. to disgrace

2. to scandalize

Other Word Forms

• miniscandal noun
• superscandal noun
• scandalously adverb
• scandalous adjective
• scandalousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scandal¹

1175–1225; from Late Latin scandalum from Late Greek skándalon “snare, cause of moral stumbling”; replacing Middle English scandle from Old French (north) escandle from Late Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of scandal¹

C16: from Late Latin scandalum stumbling block, from Greek skandalon a trap

Synonym Study

See gossip.

Example Sentences

Over the past few months, the Philippines has been rocked by a corruption scandal centered on flood-control projects, Capital Economics’ Jason Tuvey said in a note.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

And while Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has avoided major corruption scandals in its 11 years in power, it has done little to curb predatory officials who harass ordinary people.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The LDP, which has ruled Japan for most of its postwar history, is also struggling to regain popular trust after a political funding scandal.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

All victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal seeking compensation will now be entitled to free legal advice, the government has announced.

Read more on BBC

Alma is desperate to dodge any backlash from the scandal, so we’re frustrated to experience this story through her averted eyes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crime 
• rumor 
• wrongdoing