释义 |
im·be·cile I. \ˈimbəsəl also -(ˌ)sil or -ˌsīl, chiefly Brit -ˌsēl\ adjective Etymology: Middle French imbecille, from Latin imbecillus weak, weak-minded, from in- in- (I) + -becillus (perhaps from bacillus, bacillum small staff) — more at bacillus 1. archaic : weak, feeble 2. [French imbécile, from Latin imbecillus] a. : of, relating to, or befitting an imbecile b. : markedly inane, idiotic, foolish, or stupid — used as a generalized term of contempt II. noun (-s) Etymology: French imbécile, from imbécile, adj 1. : one marked by mental deficiency: as a. : one who has a less-than-normal average intelligence and intellectual capacity that is usually above that of an idiot but below that of a moron b. : a feebleminded person who has a mental age of approximately three to seven years and who requires special care and supervision in the performance of routine daily tasks of self-care (as feeding and clothing himself) 2. : fool, idiot — used as a generalized term of contempt Synonyms: see fool |