What does insult mean?
An insult is a remark or action that is deliberately or unintentionally offensive, disrespectful, or demeaning. As a verb, to insult someone means to speak to them with contempt, ridicule them, or imply that they are unworthy of respect. The word can also be used more broadly for something perceived as degrading or inappropriate, as in “an insult to the environment.” In everyday use, an insult usually implies a personal slight, although it can describe a serious attack on someone’s dignity, work, or status. The expression “add insult to injury” refers to worsening an unpleasant situation by adding mockery or disregard. While the wording of an insult may vary from a cutting remark to a calculated humiliation, the central idea is an attempt to diminish another person or to treat them with open contempt.
An offensive or disrespectful remark or action that is intended to demean or wound someone’s feelings.
"She considered his refusal to answer a deliberate insult."
Commonly used for a personal slight, but it can also mean a broader act of disrespect or degradation.
To say or do something that shows contempt for someone or something, especially by belittling or offending them.
"The comment was designed to insult the singer rather than discuss her music."
The verb can also be used with an idea or institution, as in “to insult the audience’s intelligence.”
The plural refers to multiple offensive remarks or actions.
"He had endured insults from strangers for most of the evening."
The word insult began with the image of leaping upon an enemy: Latin insultare literally meant to jump upon, attack, or outrage.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does insult come from?
The word comes through Old French from Latin insultum, meaning an outrage or insult, and the verb continues Latin insultare. Latin insultare originally meant to leap upon or attack, combining the prefix in- with salire, “to leap.” The word therefore developed from the idea of an attack or hostile action into the modern sense of an offensive remark or degrading treatment.
Related word forms
How insult is actually used
The noun commonly refers to a verbal slight or personal attack, while the verb often describes an action or remark intended to demean someone. The term can also be used more broadly for something perceived as degrading or inappropriate, as in “an insult to the environment.”
Easily confused with insult
An insult is usually an offensive remark or action, whereas an assault is an attack involving physical force or a serious threat of physical harm.
Insult is the noun or verb, while insulting is the adjective describing behaviour or remarks that are offensive or disrespectful.