Insult — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /in-ˈsəlt/ (verb) /ˈin-ˌsəlt/ (noun) in·sult

Meaning & Definition of Insult

Insult (verb)

  1. to treat with insolence, indignity, or contempt, affront; also, to affect offensively or damagingly
  2. to behave with pride or arrogance, vaunt

Insult (noun)

  1. a gross indignity, an instance of insolent or contemptuous speech or conduct
  2. injury to the body or one of its parts; also, something that causes or has a potential for causing such injury

Insult (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings

    "panelists on that political talk show simply exchange insults, not ideas"

    similar: affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis (slang), epithet, gird, indignity, name, offense, outrage, personality, poke, put-down, sarcasm, slap, slight, slur
    related: catcall, gibe, jeer, mock, quip, sneer, taunt, abuse, invective, vituperation, disapproval, opprobrium, disgrace, dishonor, shame, attack, criticism, knock, slam, swipe, torment, torture
    near: accolade, commendation, compliment, acclaim, applause, praise, adulation, flattery

Insult (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in

    "insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home"

    similar: affront, dis (slang), disrespect, offend, outrage, slap, slight, wound
    related: cut, snub, displease, distress, disturb, hurt, miff, pain, trouble, upset, jeer, mock, ridicule, sneer (at), taunt, defame, disparage, libel, malign, revile, slander, slur, smear, oppress, persecute, torment, torture
    near: acclaim, applaud, approve, hail, commend, compliment, eulogize, praise, adulate, flatter, sweet-talk, exalt, glorify, honor, delight, gratify, please, satisfy

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Insult

The most common words with a similar meaning to Insult:

Slang: dis
affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, epithet, gird, indignity, name, offense, outrage, personality, poke, put-down, sarcasm, slap, slight, slur, disrespect, offend, wound

Related Words for Insult

catcall, gibe, jeer, mock, quip, sneer, taunt, abuse, invective, vituperation, disapproval, opprobrium, disgrace, dishonor, shame, attack, criticism, knock, slam, swipe, torment, torture, snub, displease, distress, disturb, hurt, miff, pain, trouble

Near Antonyms of Insult

accolade, commendation, compliment, acclaim, applause, praise, adulation, flattery, applaud, approve, hail, commend, eulogize, adulate, flatter, sweet-talk, exalt, glorify, honor, delight, gratify, please, satisfy

Word Forms of Insult

Inflections: insulted, insulting, insults

Derived words: insulter (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Insult

Middle French or Latin; Middle French insulter, from Latin insultare, literally, to spring upon, from in- + saltare to leap saltation

First known use: 1540i

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Insult

Words & Phrases Containing Insult

insult someone's intelligence, add insult to injury

Frequently Asked Questions about Insult

What does "Insult" mean?

"Insult" means to treat with insolence, indignity, or contempt, affront; also, to affect offensively or damagingly. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to treat with insolence, indignity, or contempt, affront; also, to affect offensively or damagingly. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Insult"?

Other words for "Insult" include affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis and epithet. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Insult" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Insult"?

There are 65 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Insult". Common alternatives include affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis, epithet, gird and indignity.

How do you use "Insult" in a sentence?

Examples of "Insult" in a sentence: "panelists on that political talk show simply exchange insults, not ideas"; "insulted their hosts by casually remarking about the outdated look of their home".

Is "Insult" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Insult" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Insult" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Insult" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Insult"?

"Insult" is pronounced /in-ˈsəlt/ as a verb and /ˈin-ˌsəlt/ as a noun and divided into syllables as in·sult.

What is the origin of the word "Insult"?

"Insult" comes from Middle French or Latin; Middle French insulter, from Latin insultare, literally, to spring upon, from in- + saltare to leap saltation. First known use: 1540i.