prude

[prood]

noun

1. a person who is excessively proper or modest in speech, conduct, dress, etc.

prude

/ pruːd /

noun

1. a person who affects or shows an excessively modest, prim, or proper attitude, esp regarding sex

Other Word Forms

• prudelike adjective
• prudish adjective
• prudishness noun
• prudishly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prude¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; from French prude “a prude” (noun), “prudish” (adjective), short for prudefemme, Old French prodefeme “worthy or respectable woman,” equivalent to proud + feme

Word History and Origins

Origin of prude¹

C18: from French, from prudefemme, from Old French prode femme respectable woman; see _proud

Example Sentences

“I am, even if nobody believes it, a prude,” she says, describing a Kidman scene to make her point.

From Los Angeles Times

I like to make jokes, I like to have all this bravado, but I’m really kind of a prude and shy.

From Los Angeles Times

Anthony Comstock, the infamous prude who was behind the law, was much like Charlie Kirk, in that his misogynist intent was never far beneath the surface.

From Salon

As a result of the hypersexualization, Portman also said that she had to build a fortress and projected an image of a "prude" to protect herself.

From Salon

One visitor commented: "Yes, we stumbled on a 'session' - I'm not a prude but I don't expect to see almost naked bodies while searching for the best blooms."

From BBC