imbecile
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


im·be·cile

noun \ˈim-bə-səl, -ˌsil\

Definition of IMBECILE

1
usually offensive : a person affected with moderate mental retardation
2
: fool, idiot
imbecile or im·be·cil·ic \ˌim-bə-ˈsi-lik\ adjective

Examples of IMBECILE

  1. He drank too much and started acting like a complete imbecile.
  2. <only an imbecile would leave their car unlocked, with the keys in the ignition, and then be surprised when the vehicle was stolen>

Origin of IMBECILE

French imbécile, noun, from adjective, weak, weak-minded, from Latin imbecillus
First Known Use: 1802

im·be·cile

noun \ˈim-bə-səl, -ˌsil\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of IMBECILE

usually offensive : a person affected with moderate mental retardation
imbecile or im·be·cil·ic \ˌim-bə-ˈsil-ik\ (audio pronunciation) adjective, usually offensive
im·be·cil·i·ty \ˌim-bə-ˈsil-ət-ē\ noun, plural ; im·be·cil·i·ties usually offensive

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: imbecilely
Previous Word in the Dictionary: imbe
All Words Near: imbecile

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up imbecile? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More