1. excessive concern with being proper, modest, or righteous, especially regarding matters of sex or personal conduct

Examples

• Her prudery made her uncomfortable with any discussion of relationships.
• The Victorian era was known for its social prudery and strict moral codes.
• His prudery prevented him from enjoying the comedy’s harmless jokes.
• The school’s prudery led to an overly restrictive dress code.
• She accused her neighbors of prudery when they complained about the art exhibit.
• The author’s prudery was evident in how he avoided writing realistic dialogue.