prudish

[ proo-dish ]

/ ˈpru dɪʃ /

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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR prudish ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

excessively proper or modest in speech, conduct, dress, etc.

characteristic of a prude.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

prudent, prudential, prudentius, prudery, prudhoe bay, prudish, pruinose, prune, prune-belly syndrome, prunella, prunelle

Origin of prudish

First recorded in 1710–20; prude + -ish¹

SYNONYMS FOR prudish

1 reserved, coy. See modest.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR prudish ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

prud·ish·ly, adverbprud·ish·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for prudish

Who knew a country notorious for selling used underwear in vending machines could be so prudish?
Japan’s Hypocritical Vagiphobia|Lizzie Crocker|July 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Deep they needed to be, because the Nazis could take offense quicker than a prudish Victorian spinster.
Did Hollywood Collaborate With Hitler? A New Book Makes Bold Claims.|Christopher Bray|September 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
She was the perfect African-American woman for prudish America to cling to—very pretty, fresh-faced, and immensely talented.
Whitney Houston: Anatomy of a Lesbian Rumor|Tricia Romano|February 13, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Conservative women who dare to run for office are simultaneously attacked as sleazy and prudish.
Stop Calling Them Sluts|Mark McKinnon|November 1, 2010|DAILY BEAST

It set him thinking that it might be a prudish strain in the young man's mind, due to the System in difficulties.
The Ordeal of Richard Feverel, Complete|George Meredith
I was rather sorry he was so prudish, for it would have been a great treat for the maids, and something quite new.
Up the Country|Emily Eden
The prudish people think more about vulgarity than the vulgar themselves.
Under the Law|Edwina Stanton Babcock
Doa Beatriz of Moya is neither cold-hearted nor prudish, but all that is the reverse.
Mercedes of Castile|J. Fenimore Cooper
It is an absurd thing, after all, to be prudish and to thrust away the dish that is offered you.
His Excellency the Minister|Jules Claretie