First Known Use: 1704
Dictionary
prude
noun \ˈprüd\
: a person who is easily shocked or offended by things that do not shock or offend other people
Full Definition of PRUDE
: a person who is excessively or priggishly attentive to propriety or decorum; especially : a woman who shows or affects extreme modesty
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Origin of PRUDE
French, good woman, prudish woman, short for prudefemme good woman, from Old French prode femme
Related to PRUDE
- Synonyms
- bluenose, moralist, Mrs. Grundy, nice nelly, puritan, wowser [chiefly Australian]
- Antonyms
- immoralist
PRUDE Defined for Kids
prude
noun \ˈprüd\
Definition of PRUDE for Kids
: a person who cares too much about proper speech and conduct
— prud·ish \-ish\ adjective
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