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)

scandaled, scandaling , scandalled, scandalling .

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

Other Word Forms

• miniscandal noun
• superscandal noun
• scandalously adverb
• scandalous adjective
• scandalousness 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

Independent analysis by a trusted consumer advocacy group has found that several of Australia's most popular, and expensive, sunscreens are not providing the protection they claim to, kicking off a national scandal.

From BBC

Without new revelations, the public will eventually tire of this story - or it will be buried by a new scandal, conflict or media frenzy.

From BBC

Mary, meanwhile, is in the midst of a public divorce scandal that threatens to derail her reputation.

From Los Angeles Times

Onscreen text might indicate that they were polarizing figures, but the films itself never engage with the scandals.

From Los Angeles Times

Taylor-Greene called the push for truth and transparency on the Epstein scandal “the most important fight” in Congress.

From Salon

Related Words

• crime 
• rumor 
• wrongdoing