prudish
[proo-dish]
- excessively proper or modest in speech, conduct, dress, etc.
- characteristic of a prude.
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Origin of prudish
Synonyms
See more synonyms for prudish on Thesaurus.com1. reserved, coy. See modest.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for prudish
Contemporary Examples
Who knew a country notorious for selling used underwear in vending machines could be so prudish?
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
She was the perfect African-American woman for prudish America to cling to—very pretty, fresh-faced, and immensely talented.
Conservative women who dare to run for office are simultaneously attacked as sleazy and prudish.
Historical Examples
Pat Valdo is dressed as a prudish old lady with an enormous bustle.
PipefulsChristopher Morley
Some people thought her old fashioned, strait-laced, prudish.
The MaskArthur Hornblow
His strength and his youth called to hers, expecting no prudish response.
The Longest JourneyE. M. Forster
It is bashful, for nature is ever so; but it is not prudish, for only corruption is prudish.
The Life of Friedrich SchillerThomas Carlyle
I'm in earnest; I don't want any prudish weights on this conversation.
Sunlight PatchCredo Fitch Harris
Word Origin and History for prudish
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper