First Known Use: 1802
Dictionary
imbecile
noun im·be·cile \ˈim-bə-səl, -ˌsil\
: a very stupid person : an idiot or fool
Full Definition of IMBECILE
1
usually offensive : a person affected with moderate mental retardation
See imbecile defined for English-language learners
See imbecile defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of IMBECILE
French imbécile, noun, from adjective, weak, weak-minded, from Latin imbecillus
Related to IMBECILE
- Synonyms
- airhead, birdbrain, blockhead, bonehead, bubblehead, chowderhead, chucklehead, clodpoll (or clodpole), clot [British], cluck, clunk, cretin, cuddy (or cuddie) [British dialect], deadhead, dim bulb [slang], dimwit, dip, dodo, dolt, donkey, doofus [slang], dope, dork [slang], dullard, dumbbell, dumbhead, dum-dum, dummkopf, dummy, dunce, dunderhead, fathead, gander, golem, goof, goon, half-wit, hammerhead, hardhead, ignoramus, idiot, jackass, know-nothing, knucklehead, lamebrain, loggerhead [chiefly dialect], loon, lump, lunkhead, meathead, mome [archaic], moron, mug [chiefly British], mutt, natural, nimrod [slang], nincompoop, ninny, ninnyhammer, nit [chiefly British], nitwit, noddy, noodle, numskull (or numbskull), oaf, pinhead, prat [British], ratbag [chiefly Australian], saphead, schlub (also shlub) [slang], schnook [slang], simpleton, stock, stupe, stupid, thickhead, turkey, woodenhead, yahoo, yo-yo
IMBECILE Defined for Kids
imbecile
noun im·be·cile \ˈim-bə-səl\
Medical Dictionary
imbecile
noun im·be·cile \ˈim-bə-səl, -ˌsil\
Medical Definition of IMBECILE
usually offensive : a person affected with moderate mental retardation
—imbecile or im·be·cil·ic \ˌim-bə-ˈsil-ik\ adjective, usually offensive
—im·be·cil·i·ty \ˌim-bə-ˈsil-ət-ē\ noun, plural im·be·cil·i·ties usually offensive
Learn More About IMBECILE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: imbecilelyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: imbeAll Words Near: imbecile
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up imbecile? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).