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v. in·sult·ed, in·sult·ing, in·sults v.tr. 1. a. To treat with gross insensitivity, insolence, or contemptuous rudeness. See Synonyms at offend. b. To affront or demean: an absurd speech that insulted the intelligence of the audience. 2. Obsolete To make an attack on. v.intr. Archaic To behave arrogantly. n. (ĭnsŭlt′) 1. An insulting remark or act. 2. a. Medicine A bodily injury, irritation, or trauma. b. Something that causes injury, irritation, or trauma: "the middle of the Bronx, buffeted and poisoned by the worst environmental insults that urban America can dish out" (William K. Stevens). [French insulter, from Old French, to assault, from Latin īnsultāre, to leap at, insult, frequentative of īnsilīre, to leap upon : in-, on; see IN-2 + salīre, to leap; see sel- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] in·sulter n. in·sulting·ly adv. |
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