prudish

[ proo-dish ]

adjective

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

   Synonyms: coy, reserved

2. characteristic of a prude.

Other Words From

• prudish·ly adverb
• prudish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prudish¹

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

Synonym Study

See modest.

Example Sentences

Others I’ve talked to blame the incident on the inexplicable prudish mindset of Gen-Z, pointing to the ongoing “No Kink at Pride” controversy.

From Washington Blade

Who knew a country notorious for selling used underwear in vending machines could be so prudish?

From The Daily Beast

Secondly, the film shows sex in a raw way, and the Soviet regime was notoriously prudish, despite its official atheism.

From The Daily Beast

Foster partly argues that we tend to view 18th century society as more prudish than it actually was.

From The Daily Beast

Deep they needed to be, because the Nazis could take offense quicker than a prudish Victorian spinster.

From The Daily Beast

To be fair, we got quite a bit of nudity, even here on the still-prudish BBC.

From The Daily Beast

You are not as prudish as that, and if you were, you know I have done it a hundred times; that would be too ridiculous, Dan!

From Project Gutenberg

Had her beautiful prudish rival possessed less virtue and more wit Lady Castlemaine's star would have set long before it did.

From Project Gutenberg

But if naturally prudish, La Belle Stuart made full use of the profit to be derived from such moral infirmity.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, he was always laughing at my mother and me for our prudish ways; and my not marrying was always a joke between us.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not best to be "prudish," but it is right and necessary to be cautious and discreet.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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