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
While the film — about a woman torn between two brothers — didn’t have anything that would qualify as nudity today, its scenes of Bardot undressing and dancing barefoot to African music scandalized viewers in France and America.
—
Angelina Rascouet, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2025
Globe Photos / Alamy The provocative French melodrama about a voluptuous teenager who scandalizes Saint-Tropez was a box office smash both abroad and in the United States, despite mixed critical reviews and condemnation by watchdog groups like the National Legion of Decency.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 28 Dec. 2025
Again, Emily is scandalized, but that is quite obviously the kind of person Marcello would date!
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025
Sally, scandalized, turns him down, and proposes the consolation prize of friendship.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scandalize
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Angelina Rascouet, Fortune, 28 Dec. 2025
Globe Photos / Alamy The provocative French melodrama about a voluptuous teenager who scandalizes Saint-Tropez was a box office smash both abroad and in the United States, despite mixed critical reviews and condemnation by watchdog groups like the National Legion of Decency.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 28 Dec. 2025
Again, Emily is scandalized, but that is quite obviously the kind of person Marcello would date!
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025
Sally, scandalized, turns him down, and proposes the consolation prize of friendship.
—Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scandalize
Cite this Entry
“Scandalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scandalize. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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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