prudish

[proo-dish]

adjective

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

   Synonyms: coy, reserved

2. characteristic of a prude.

Other Word Forms

• prudishly adverb
• prudishness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prudish¹

First recorded in 1710–20; prude + -ish ¹

Synonym Study

See modest.

Example Sentences

"The album is not for any pearl clutchers," she told CBS News, with reference to prim, prudish or easily offended people.

From BBC

The online response to the art was painfully scolding and prudish.

From Salon

"Young people are so exposed to sex on the internet and at the same time schools are very prudish," she said.

From BBC

And secondly, the American voter is far less prudish than many assume, a point brought home by another sexual scandal from a different political age.

From BBC

“It was clear that we couldn’t make a prudish film,” says Lanthimos.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fastidious 
• narrow-minded 
• prissy 
• puritanical 
• squeamish 
• uptight