Purdah
noun
The practice among women in certain Muslim and Hindu societies of living separately from men.
In some traditional societies, women lived in purdah, separate from the men.
Often appears as...
- live in purdah
- practice purdah
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A curtain used for screening, especially one behind which a Muslim or Hindu woman must hide from men outside her family.
She was behind the purdah, hidden from the view of visitors.
Often appears as...
- behind the purdah
- lift the purdah
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A state or condition of secrecy or privacy.
The company's new project seems to be in purdah, with all details being shrouded in secrecy.
Often appears as...
- in purdah
- break purdah
noun
The practice among women in certain Muslim and Hindu societies of living separately from men.
In some traditional societies, women lived in purdah, separate from the men.
Often appears as...
- live in purdah
- practice purdah
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A curtain used for screening, especially one behind which a Muslim or Hindu woman must hide from men outside her family.
She was behind the purdah, hidden from the view of visitors.
Often appears as...
- behind the purdah
- lift the purdah
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A state or condition of secrecy or privacy.
The company's new project seems to be in purdah, with all details being shrouded in secrecy.
Often appears as...
- in purdah
- break purdah
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
Understanding 'purdah' requires respect for cultural practices different from one's own.
I read about 'purdah' to appreciate its cultural importance in some societies.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Universal
'Purdah' is not practiced by all Muslims or Hindus, it varies with regions and communities.
Though 'purdah' is common in certain places, my Muslim friends don't observe it.
Pro Tip 3/3Gender Specific
The term is usually associated with women, highlighting gender roles in certain societies.
The documentary explained how 'purdah' affects women's participation in public life.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
Understanding 'purdah' requires respect for cultural practices different from one's own.
I read about 'purdah' to appreciate its cultural importance in some societies.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Universal
'Purdah' is not practiced by all Muslims or Hindus, it varies with regions and communities.
Though 'purdah' is common in certain places, my Muslim friends don't observe it.
Pro Tip 3/3Gender Specific
The term is usually associated with women, highlighting gender roles in certain societies.
The documentary explained how 'purdah' affects women's participation in public life.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
Understanding 'purdah' requires respect for cultural practices different from one's own.
I read about 'purdah' to appreciate its cultural importance in some societies.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Universal
'Purdah' is not practiced by all Muslims or Hindus, it varies with regions and communities.
Though 'purdah' is common in certain places, my Muslim friends don't observe it.
Pro Tip 3/3Gender Specific
The term is usually associated with women, highlighting gender roles in certain societies.
The documentary explained how 'purdah' affects women's participation in public life.
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Video examples
COVID-19, Humans, and...
is a purdah program director at Smithsonian's global health program she is also the Smithsonian conservation biology Institute chief wildlife veterinary medical officer she leads a team engaged in worldwide efforts to address health issues in endangered
Video examples
COVID-19, Humans, and...
is a purdah program director at Smithsonian's global health program she is also the Smithsonian conservation biology Institute chief wildlife veterinary medical officer she leads a team engaged in worldwide efforts to address health issues in endangered
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
B. R. Ambedkar
Indian Politician
Indeed, the Muslims have all the social evils of the Hindus and something more. That something more is the compulsory system of purdah for Muslim women. These burka women walking in the streets is one of the most hideous sights one can witness in India.
Quote examples
Malala Yousafzai
Pakistani Activist
Pakistanis can't trust. They've seen in history that people, particularly politicians, are corrupt. And they're misguided by people in the name of Islam. They're told: 'Malala is not a Muslim, she's not in purdah, she's working for America.
Quote examples
B. R. Ambedkar
Indian Politician
Indeed, the Muslims have all the social evils of the Hindus and something more. That something more is the compulsory system of purdah for Muslim women. These burka women walking in the streets is one of the most hideous sights one can witness in India.
Quote examples
Malala Yousafzai
Pakistani Activist
Pakistanis can't trust. They've seen in history that people, particularly politicians, are corrupt. And they're misguided by people in the name of Islam. They're told: 'Malala is not a Muslim, she's not in purdah, she's working for America.
Example 1 of 2
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