insults; insulted; insulting
: to do or say something that is offensive to (someone) : to do or say something that shows a lack of respect for (someone)
She felt they had insulted her by repeatedly ignoring her questions.
We were greatly insulted by his rudeness.
They're understandably insulted when no one asks for their opinion on a matter that affects them so much.
You're saying those photos are real? Don't insult my intelligence. [=don't treat me as though I am stupid; don't expect me to believe those photos are real]
plural insults
: a rude or offensive act or statement : something that insults someone
The fans hurled/shouted insults at the referee as he walked off the field after the game.
Their decision to cancel the project was an insult to all my hard work.
They got into a fight over a minor insult.
We could hear them angrily trading/exchanging insults (with each other).
The assignment was an insult to our intelligence. [=the assignment was too simple]
Cite this Entry
“Insult.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/insult. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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