scandalize
C1formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
to shock or offend someone by behaving in a way that they think is morally wrong or improper.
To cause outrage or damage to reputation; to shock the moral sensibilities of a person or community.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The action is typically done by a person or event (subject) to an audience (object). Often implies a reaction from a conservative or easily-shocked group. Not typically used for trivial offenses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English sometimes uses 'scandalise', though '-ize' is also common. US English exclusively uses 'scandalize'. Usage is equally formal in both.
Connotations
In both, it often carries a slightly archaic or dramatic tone, suggesting a reaction from a more prudish past.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, slightly more common in religious or historical writing. US usage may appear more in journalistic contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] scandalizes [Object (person/group)][Subject] is scandalized by [Event/Behaviour]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “scandalize the neighbours”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used regarding corporate behaviour that shocks shareholders or the public.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or religious studies to describe societal reactions.
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech. Sounds formal or old-fashioned.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The MP's leaked memos scandalised the entire front bench.
- Her candid memoir scandalised polite Edwardian society.
American English
- The celebrity's antics scandalized their family-oriented fans.
- The graphic content of the film scandalized the review board.
adverb
British English
- Not standard. Use 'scandalously' from adjective 'scandalous'.
American English
- Not standard. Use 'scandalously' from adjective 'scandalous'.
adjective
British English
- The scandalized look on the vicar's face was priceless.
- She gave a scandalised gasp and turned away.
American English
- The scandalized parents immediately complained to the school.
- He listened with a scandalized expression.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The news scandalized many people in our town.
- The politician's dishonesty scandalized his supporters, who had believed in his integrity.
- The revealing fashion of the 1920s scandalized the older generation.
- The publication of the private letters scandalized the academic community, revealing deep-seated prejudices.
- His heretical views scandalized the ecclesiastical authorities, leading to his excommunication.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SCANDAL that is so big it EYES (ize) everyone with shock.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS CLEANLINESS / IMMORALITY IS A CONTAMINANT (behaviour 'soils' or 'taints' the observer).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from Russian 'скандализировать' as it's a rare calque. More natural equivalents are 'шокировать' or 'возмущать'. The Russian word is highly bookish.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'scandalous' (adjective). Incorrect: 'It was a scandalize event.' Correct: 'It was a scandalous event.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'scandalize' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively formal and somewhat old-fashioned. Words like 'shock' or 'offend' are more common in everyday speech.
No, that is not a standard construction. The subject causes the scandalized feeling in the object.
The direct noun is 'scandalization', but it is very rare. The common related noun is 'scandal'.
Yes. 'Scandalize' implies a deeper, more moral or societal outrage, often with implications for reputation. 'Offend' is broader and can be used for personal hurt feelings or breaches of etiquette.