Definition of "insult" in English

verb

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

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

2. (transitive, also figuratively, obsolete) To assail, assault, or attack; (specifically, military) to carry out an assault, attack, or onset without preparation.

3. (intransitive, obsolete) To behave in an obnoxious and superior manner (against or over someone).

4. (intransitive, obsolete, rare) To leap or trample upon.

noun

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

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

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

3. (countable, uncountable, medicine) Something causing disease or injury to the body or bodily processes; the injury so caused.

4. (countable, also figuratively, archaic) An assault or attack; (specifically, military, obsolete) an assault, attack, or onset carried out without preparation.

5. (countable, obsolete) An act of leaping upon.