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scandal

noun

/ˈskandl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of scandal

An event or situation that is considered to be morally or legally wrong and is a source of public outrage or condemnation.
"The political scandal shook the government to its core."

Detailed meaning of scandal

It's an event or behavior that is perceived as shocking or outrageous, and that brings an individual, organization, or government into disrepute. Scandals can range from minor controversies to major criminal or political scandals, and they can involve issues such as corruption, fraud, deception, or abuse of power.
Scandals can have serious consequences, such as damaging reputations, causing financial losses, leading to legal action and even prison time. They can also lead to changes in laws, regulations, or political leadership.
Scandals can also be used for political gain, where one party or individual can use the scandal to their advantage, to discredit the opposing party or individual.
It's important to note that Scandal can be defined differently by different cultures, societies, and legal systems, and it is shaped by the cultural and historical context in which it occurs.

Example sentences containing scandal

1. The political scandal dominated headlines for weeks, shaking the government.
2. The corporate scandal led to a plummet in the company's stock prices.
3. The scandalous affair between the two celebrities captivated the tabloids.
4. A financial scandal exposed embezzlement within the organization.
5. The scandal erupted when confidential documents were leaked to the press.
6. The college admissions scandal rocked prestigious universities.

History and etymology of scandal

The noun 'scandal' has its origins in the ancient Greek word 'skandalon,' which referred to a trap or stumbling block. In its earliest usage, 'scandal' did not carry the modern connotation of moral or legal wrongdoing. Instead, it described something that caused someone to stumble, either literally or figuratively. Over time, especially during the evolution of language through Latin and Old French, 'scandal' began to take on a more figurative sense, coming to represent an event or situation that caused moral outrage or condemnation within society. This transformation in meaning reflects the way language evolves to capture the changing values and perceptions of society, where a stumbling block became synonymous with actions or events that figuratively tripped up moral sensibilities.

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Further usage examples of scandal

1. The environmental scandal resulted in fines and lawsuits for the company.
2. The scandal involving the charity's misuse of funds angered donors.
3. The academic scandal tarnished the reputation of the prestigious university.
4. The doping scandal disqualified several athletes from the competition.
5. The scandalous video went viral, damaging the influencer's career.
6. The government's cover-up of the crisis became a major political scandal.
7. The scandal led to the resignation of several high-ranking officials.
8. The financial scandal involved Ponzi schemes and defrauded investors.
9. The scandalous behavior of the mayor shocked the community.
10. The scandal had far-reaching consequences, impacting various industries.
11. The scandalous allegations of sexual harassment prompted investigations.
12. The celebrity scandal prompted a public apology and damage control.
13. The scandalous revelations about the celebrity's past haunted them.
14. The company's scandalous marketing tactics drew consumer backlash.
15. The social media scandal exposed privacy breaches and data misuse.
16. The financial scandal resulted in the closure of the investment firm.
17. The government attempted to downplay the severity of the scandal.
18. The university faced a scandal over its mishandling of sexual assault cases.
19. The scandal shook public trust in the healthcare system and its regulators.