scandal definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

scan·dal [ skánd'l ] (plural scan·dals)

noun

Definition:

1. something causing public outrage: a situation or event that causes public outrage or censure

2. public outrage: an outburst of public outrage or censure as a consequence of an event

3. malicious talk: malicious talk, especially about other people's private lives

[12th century. Via French< Latin scandalum "trap, temptation" < Greek skandalon]

Cultural Note


	School for Scandal, a play (1777) by Irish dramatist Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In this satire on contemporary middle-class mores, Sir Oliver Surface attempts to spy on his nephews Charles and Joseph in order to discover their true characters. Among the play's many targets are the hypocrisy and vindictiveness of gossipmongers, personified by the characters of Lady Sneerwell, Sir Benjamin Backbite, and Mrs. Candour.