insult

¹in·sult

verb \in-ˈsəlt\

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

Examples of INSULT

1. She felt they had insulted her by repeatedly ignoring her questions.
2. We were greatly insulted by his rudeness.
3. They're understandably insulted when no one asks for their opinion on a matter that affects them so much.

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

First Known Use: 1540

Related to INSULT

Synonyms: affront, dis (also diss) [slang], disrespect, offend, outrage, slap, slight, wound

Related Words: cut, snub; displease, distress, disturb, hurt, miff, pain, trouble, upset; jeer, mock, ridicule, sneer (at), taunt; defame, disparage, libel, malign, revile, slander, slur, smear; oppress, persecute, torment, torture

Near Antonyms: acclaim, applaud, approve, hail; commend, compliment, eulogize, praise; adulate, flatter, sweet-talk; exalt, glorify, honor; delight, gratify, please, satisfy

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See Synonym Discussion at offend

Rhymes with INSULT

adult, consult, exult, incult, indult, occult, penult, result, tumult