scandal
UK: ˈskænd(ə)l | US: ˈskænd(ə)l
n. 1. An action or event causing public outrage or disgrace.
n. 2. Malicious gossip or rumors about such events.
n. 3. (Archaic) A moral offense or stumbling block.
The word "scandal" traces back to the Greek skandalon, a term for a trap or snare that causes someone to stumble. Through Latin (scandalum), it evolved to signify moral offenses that "trip up" reputations. By the 16th century, it entered English with dual meanings: theological "stumbling blocks" and later, public disgrace. The modern sense of sensational wrongdoing reflects its enduring link to societal falls from grace.
The politician resigned after the financial scandal became public.
Tabloids thrive on spreading scandals about celebrities.
In medieval times, heresy was considered a scandal to the Church.
The company’s cover-up turned a minor error into a major scandal.
She avoided gossip to prevent causing scandal in her community.