scandalize
6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for scandalize, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To upset or offend someone badly by doing something shocking.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To upset or offend someone badly by doing something shocking.
“Overhearing the lewd joke, the dowager gave a scandalized gasp.”
Etymology
Comes from Latin scandalizō, which developed from Ancient Greek σκανδαλίζω (skandalízō). Analysed by form, it breaks down as scandal + -ize.
Full origin of scandalize →