First Known Use: 1540
Dictionary
1insult
verb in·sult \in-ˈsəlt\
: to do or say something that is offensive to (someone) : to do or say something that shows a lack of respect for (someone)
Full Definition of INSULT
intransitive verb
archaic : to behave with pride or arrogance : vaunt
transitive verb
: to treat with insolence, indignity, or contempt : affront; also : to affect offensively or damagingly <doggerel that insults the reader's intelligence>
— in·sult·er noun
— in·sult·ing·ly \in-ˈsəl-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
See insult defined for English-language learners
See insult defined for kids
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Origin of INSULT
Middle French or Latin; Middle French insulter, from Latin insultare, literally, to spring upon, from in- + saltare to leap — more at saltation
Related to INSULT
Synonym Discussion of INSULT
offend, outrage, affront, insult mean to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment. offend need not imply an intentional hurting but it may indicate merely a violation of the victim's sense of what is proper or fitting <hoped that my remarks had not offended her>. outrage implies offending beyond endurance and calling forth extreme feelings <outraged by their accusations>. affront implies treating with deliberate rudeness or contemptuous indifference to courtesy <deeply affronted by his callousness>. insult suggests deliberately causing humiliation, hurt pride, or shame <insulted every guest at the party>.
2insult
noun in·sult \ˈin-ˌsəlt\
: a rude or offensive act or statement : something that insults someone
Full Definition of INSULT
1
: a gross indignity
2
: injury to the body or one of its parts; also : something that causes or has a potential for causing such insult <pollution and other environmental insults>
See insult defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of INSULT
1671
INSULT Defined for Kids
1insult
verb in·sult \in-ˈsəlt\
in·sult·edin·sult·ing
Definition of INSULT for Kids
: to treat or speak to with disrespect <You insulted them by leaving early.>
2insult
noun in·sult \ˈin-ˌsəlt\
Definition of INSULT for Kids
: an act or statement showing disrespect
Medical Dictionary
insult
noun in·sult \ˈin-ˌsəlt\
Medical Definition of INSULT
1
: injury to the body or one of its parts <repeated acute vascular insults> <any insult to the constitution of a patient suffering from active tuberculosis—Journal of the American Medical Association>
2
: something that causes or has a potential for causing insult to the body <damage resulting from malnutritional insults>
—insult verb
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