Prude

A prude is a person who is excessively concerned with propriety and decorum. They often display a strong aversion to anything considered suggestive, sexually explicit, or even mildly risqué. This can manifest in various ways, from avoiding certain topics of conversation to disapproving of certain behaviors or artistic expressions. A prude's sense of modesty often borders on prudishness, stemming from a belief in the importance of strict moral principles and the avoidance of anything that could be seen as a breach of these standards. They may view openness about sexuality and physical intimacy as vulgar or offensive, and might express discomfort or condemnation when encountering such displays.

Prude meaning with examples

• Her grandmother was considered a prude; she would blush at the mention of anything remotely romantic or suggestive, and forbade her grandchildren from watching certain movies. She frequently expressed dismay at what she perceived as the declining moral standards of society, particularly regarding open displays of affection and explicit media content.
• The critic dismissed the film as being made for prudes, arguing that its focus on sanitized versions of human experience and avoidance of complex characters with nuanced moral ambiguity made it uninteresting. He claimed it catered to a fear of genuine emotions and was unable to create any memorable cinematic moments.
• Despite the comedic nature of the performance, one woman walked out, calling the comedian a prude after she began to make jokes about sex. Her reaction was extreme, leading other audience members to question her understanding of the venue's expectations, which was, a more relaxed atmosphere.
• He was embarrassed when he found his father, a noted prude, reading a particularly suggestive book. He felt his father's reaction would involve stern disapproval and lecture about the sanctity of morality, a typical reaction he was used to.
• The novel, a sweeping epic of historical love and loss, received mixed reviews. Some critics praised its exploration of the complexities of human relationships, while others, those considered prudes, found its explicit depictions of intimacy to be gratuitous and offensive. The ensuing debate divided the literary world.