imbecile

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Synonyms 1.2.2 Derived terms 1.2.3 Translations

English

Pronunciation

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Noun

imbecile (plural imbeciles)

1. (obsolete) A person with limited mental capacity who can perform tasks and think only like a young child, in medical circles meaning a person who lacks the capacity to develop beyond the mental age of a normal five to seven-year-old child (not commonly used today)
2. (informal, pejorative) A fool, an idiot.
   • Usage note: Commonly used in jocular insults.

Synonyms

• See also Wikisaurus:idiot

Derived terms

• imbecilic (adjective)
• imbecility (noun)

Translations