scandal

[ skan-dl ]

noun

1. a disgraceful or discreditable action, circumstance, etc.
2. an offense caused by a fault or misdeed.
3. damage to reputation; public disgrace.

   Synonyms: ignominy, opprobrium, disrepute, shame, dishonor, discredit

4. defamatory talk; malicious gossip.

   Synonyms: obloquy, aspersion, calumny, slander

   Antonyms: praise, honor

5. a person whose conduct brings disgrace or offense.

verb (used with object)

, scan·daled, scan·dal·ing or (especially British) scan·dalled, scan·dal·ling.

1. British Dialect. to defame (someone) by spreading scandal.
2. Obsolete. to disgrace.

scandal

/ ˈskændəl /

noun

1. a disgraceful action or event

   his negligence was a scandal

2. censure or outrage arising from an action or event
3. a person whose conduct causes reproach or disgrace
4. malicious talk, esp gossip about the private lives of other people
5. law a libellous action or statement

verb

1. to disgrace
2. to scandalize

Derived Forms

• ˈscandalously, adverb
• ˈscandalous, adjective
• ˈscandalousness, noun

Other Words From

• mini·scandal noun
• super·scandal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scandal¹

1175–1225; from Late Latin scandalum from Late Greek skándalon “snare, cause of moral stumbling”; replacing Middle English scandle from Old French (north) escandle from Late Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of scandal¹

C16: from Late Latin scandalum stumbling block, from Greek skandalon a trap

Synonym Study

See gossip.

Example Sentences

He has been at the centre of scandals around the world, and has been the subject of criminal charges and sanctions.

From BBC

Since the Watergate scandal of the early 1970s, the Justice Department has sought to separate law enforcement from politics, and keep the White House at a distance.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Gray, who became a household name after leading the government's internal inquiry into the Partygate scandal, left the civil service to become a senior adviser to Sir Keir last year.

From BBC

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has formally apologised to victims of abuse in care homes, following an inquiry into one of the country's biggest abuse scandals.

From BBC

Mr Bates vs The Post Office thrust the scandal back into the spotlight after it aired.

From BBC

Related Words

• crime
• rumor
• wrongdoing