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Definition of imbecile

imbecile

/ˈɪm.bə.səl/
im · be · cile
Adverb:imbecilically
•
Plural:imbeciles
•
Adjective:imbecilic
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imbecile Lexical Profile

imbecile Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who behaves in an extremely foolish, senseless, or stupid manner.

Example

"He felt like an absolute imbecile after locking his keys inside the running car."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Extremely foolish, senseless, or stupid.

Example

"The committee rejected his imbecile proposal without a second thought."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for imbecile
Antonyms
View all antonyms for imbecile

Word Nuance & Usage

Once used in early twentieth-century psychology as a formal diagnostic classification for moderate intellectual disability, 'imbecile' is now obsolete in clinical settings and is used exclusively as a strong derogatory insult for someone perceived as foolish.

• Nearby Words

imbalance
imbalanced
imbe
imbecile
imbecilic
imbiber
imbrex

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from French 'imbécile', from Latin 'imbecillus', meaning 'weak' or 'feeble' (originally referring to physical weakness before shifting to mental capacity).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Imbecile. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/imbecile
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