noun
indecency
in-DEE-sun-see/ɪnˈdiːsnsi/
Behavior or material that offends accepted standards of decency.
The formally dressed guests react to what they regard as his indecency.
Etymology
The pieces express the quality of not being fitting or proper. This broad idea of unseemliness became especially associated with conduct that violates accepted standards of propriety.
In context
indecency for in thee mother with her child did hold unlawful intercourse and daughter was with her own father wedded as a bride
More examples
- The debate concerned changing standards of indecency.
- She objected to what she saw as the scene’s indecency.
- The court examined the disputed material’s alleged indecency.
Forms
indecency
Similar words
- impropriety
- Impropriety violates accepted conduct; indecency particularly offends standards of modesty or decency.
- obscenity
- Obscenity usually suggests a stronger offense, often sexual; indecency is broader and context-dependent.