noun
imbecile
ihm-buh-SEEL
noun
1
An insulting term for a stupid or foolish person.
"He called the driver who cut him off an imbecile."
adj
1
Weak-minded or foolish.
"It was an imbecile decision that cost the company millions."
How to Use Imbecile
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn insulting word for someone acting foolishly or lacking sense.
When to use it
This is an offensive, informal insult — it was once a clinical medical term, but that usage is now considered outdated and derogatory.
Word Forms
more imbecile comparative, imbeciles plural, most imbecile superlative
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Etymology
From Latin imbecillus, meaning "weak" — literally "without a supporting staff."