scandalize
verb
scan·dal·ize
ˈskan-də-ˌlīz 
scandalized; scandalizing
1
: to offend the moral sense of : shock
She was scandalized by his behavior.
2
archaic
: to speak falsely or maliciously of
3
archaic
: to bring into reproach
Examples of scandalize in a Sentence
She was scandalized by her son's behavior.
Recent Examples on the Web
Gautreau looks queenly today, but the painting scandalized Parisians, who saw it as vulgar and attention-grabbing — especially the loose shoulder strap, which Sargent duly repainted in a more decorous position.
—
Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023
Hammer of the Gods and being scandalized by that book.
—Evan Minsker, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2023
The image scandalized city boosters at the time and the mural was white washed.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2023
These knockouts pave the way for arguably the artist’s most famous painting, Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau), whose plunging neckline scandalized the 1884 Paris Salon and prompted his move to London.
—Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2023
Some of the first season’s action involved Jesse’s oldest son, Gideon, having scandalized the family by lighting out to Hollywood to become a stuntman.
—Elizabeth Nelson, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2023
The movie, starring Linda Blair as the possessed girl and Ellen Burstyn as her helpless mother, scandalized viewers with its relentless procession of terrors.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 7 Aug. 2023
Severino is scandalized that someone makes a living disrobing.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Aug. 2023
When a party attended by most of the Bridges’ social set is interrupted by thieves with guns who make off with cash, jewelry, and a car, Mrs. Bridge is mildly scandalized to learn that one man’s wallet contained just $2.14, and one woman’s diamonds were actually zircon.
—Gemma Sieff, Harper's Magazine, 9 Dec. 2021
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Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2023
Hammer of the Gods and being scandalized by that book.
—Evan Minsker, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2023
The image scandalized city boosters at the time and the mural was white washed.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2023
These knockouts pave the way for arguably the artist’s most famous painting, Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau), whose plunging neckline scandalized the 1884 Paris Salon and prompted his move to London.
—Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2023
Some of the first season’s action involved Jesse’s oldest son, Gideon, having scandalized the family by lighting out to Hollywood to become a stuntman.
—Elizabeth Nelson, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2023
The movie, starring Linda Blair as the possessed girl and Ellen Burstyn as her helpless mother, scandalized viewers with its relentless procession of terrors.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 7 Aug. 2023
Severino is scandalized that someone makes a living disrobing.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Aug. 2023
When a party attended by most of the Bridges’ social set is interrupted by thieves with guns who make off with cash, jewelry, and a car, Mrs. Bridge is mildly scandalized to learn that one man’s wallet contained just $2.14, and one woman’s diamonds were actually zircon.
—Gemma Sieff, Harper's Magazine, 9 Dec. 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scandalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1566, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Dictionary Entries Near scandalize
Cite this Entry
“Scandalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scandalize. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
scandalize
verb
scan·dal·ize
ˈskan-də-ˌlīz
scandalized; scandalizing
1
archaic
: to speak of in a false or vicious way
2
: to shock the moral sense of
their actions scandalized the neighbors
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