Imbecile

Pronunciation

Origin

From Middle French imbécile, from Latin imbēcillus ("weak, feeble"), literally “without a staff”.

Full definition of imbecile

Noun

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.
2. (pejorative) A fool, an idiot.

Usage notes

In modern times, “imbecile” is often used in jocular insults.

Synonyms

Derived terms

• imbecilic (adjective)
• imbecility (noun)

Adjective

1. (dated) Destitute of strength, whether of body or mind; feeble; impotent; especially, mentally weak.hospitals for the imbecile and insane