verb
scandalize
To damage someone's reputation through disgrace or gossip.
The tabloid scandalizes local officials with false accusations of corruption.
Etymology
The Greek image of a stumbling block developed into moral offense and disgrace. Scandalizing someone brings that person's reputation into that disgrace.
More examples
- She tried to scandalize her rival by spreading vicious rumors.
- The anonymous pamphlet scandalized the candidate and damaged her career.
- He denied scandalizing his former employer with malicious gossip.
Forms
scandalize · scandalizes · scandalized · scandalizing
scandal noun — Public disgrace that damages someone's reputation.