English · Word Candidate

insult

/ɪnˈsʌlt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: insults · insulting · insulted

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To be insensitive, insolent, or rude to (somebody); to affront or demean (someone).

Verb

Examples

- Marvel owns your gods! - Insulting is not arguing.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Action or form of speech deliberately intended to be rude; (countable) a particular act or statement having this effect.

Noun

Examples

Preſent we meet thy ſneaking treacherous ſmiles; The harmleſs abſent ſtill thy ſneer reviles; Such as in thee all parts ſuperior find, The ſneer that marks the fool and knave combin'd; When melting pity would afford relief The ruthleſs ſneer that insult adds to grief.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Something that causes offence (for example, by being of an unacceptable quality).

Noun

Examples

The way the orchestra performed tonight was an insult to my ears.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “insult” mean?

To be insensitive, insolent, or rude to (somebody); to affront or demean (someone).

Is “insult” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.