insult

in-sult · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A disrespectful or offensive remark or action intended to hurt someone's feelings.

  2. 2.

    A thing that is so bad or inadequate that it causes offense.

Forms

plural: insults

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    add insult to injury — to make a bad situation worse
  • •
    take something as an insult — to feel offended by something
  • •
    hurl insults — to shout offensive remarks

Related words

Antonyms: compliment, praise
See also: affront, compliment, offense
Synonyms: affront, offense, slur

Etymology

From Latin insultare ("to leap upon, assail"), from in- ("upon") + saltare ("to leap, jump"). The word entered English in the 16th century.