scandalize
Cause public outrage
To scandalize is to shock or offend through improper behavior or violation of moral standards: Her divorce scandalized the whole town.
The word suggests causing widespread disapproval or outrage, particularly in contexts where reputation and propriety matter.
What scandalizes depends heavily on the community—behavior that scandalizes a conservative congregation might barely register elsewhere.
Painful awareness of failure
- infamyExtreme public disgrace
- discreditHarm another's reputation
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
blemish · humiliation · disrepute · ignominy · dishonor · sully · smear · taint
Sensationalist newspaper format
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
- titillateMildly arouse or excite
- luridShockingly vivid or gruesome
salacious · yellow journalism · clickbait · paparazzi · media circus · tell-all · muckraking · rumor
Deliberate public insult
- insultOffensive remark or action
- transgressViolate a boundary
- violateBreak a rule deliberately
- breachBreaking of agreement
overstep · impropriety · indecent · indelicate · tasteless · unseemly · inappropriate · provocative
Shock with disgust
- outrageFierce moral indignation
- horrifyCause intense revulsion
- stunDaze by force
- astonishShock with wonder
flabbergast · stupefy · dumbfound · aghast · gobsmacked · thunderstruck · jolt · shake
Anger from mistreatment
- furyIntense violent anger
- wrathFierce, punishing anger
- uproarNoisy public disturbance
- backlashStrong negative reaction
condemnation · protest · outcry · incense · enrage · infuriate · resentment · controversy
shame
Painful awareness of failure
tarnish · blemish · humiliation · disrepute · ignominy · dishonor · sully · smear · taint · debase
tabloid
Sensationalist newspaper format
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
- exposéInvestigative journalism piece
- titillateMildly arouse or excite
lurid · salacious · yellow journalism · clickbait · paparazzi · media circus · tell-all · muckraking · rumor · whispers
affront
Deliberate public insult
- insultOffensive remark or action
- transgressViolate a boundary
- violateBreak a rule deliberately
breach · overstep · impropriety · indecent · indelicate · tasteless · unseemly · inappropriate · provocative · taboo
appall
Shock with disgust
astonish · flabbergast · stupefy · dumbfound · aghast · gobsmacked · thunderstruck · jolt · shake · unsettle
indignation
Anger from mistreatment
backlash · condemnation · protest · outcry · incense · enrage · infuriate · resentment · controversy · firestorm
scandalized, scandalizing, scandalised, scandalises, scandalise, scandalizes, scandalising