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

Derived Forms

• ˈprudish, adjective
• ˈprudishness, noun
• ˈprudishly, adverb

Other Words From

• prudelike adjective

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

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

Anthony Comstock, a 19th-century crusader against sexual liberty, was mocked as a prude in his own time, but wielded real power.

From New York Times

“Talking to Playboy was their way to prove he wasn’t some kind of prude.”

From Washington Times