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

Anderson’s fantasy is hidden amongst 174 in a book she curated that is not for the prudish.

From BBC

He was someone I’d absolutely break every prudish rule for.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Since becoming acting president on the last day of 1999, Putin has shaped Russia into a monolith — crushing political opposition, running independent-minded journalists out of the country and promoting an increasing devotion to prudish “traditional values” that pushes many in society into the margins.

From Seattle Times

Steeped in alcohol and analysis themselves, sophisticated audiences thrilled to the play’s voyeurism and vulgar language, even as the Pulitzer Prize committee got prudish, suspending the drama prize the year “Woolf” was eligible.

From New York Times

Related Words

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