Translate text 
Translate files Imbecile
/ˈɪm.bə.sɪl/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A person who is considered very foolish or stupid.
He acted like an imbecile when he forgot his own birthday.
A person with a mental age of between 7 and 12 years; a mildly retarded person.
Historically, the term 'imbecile' was used in clinical settings to describe certain levels of intellectual disability.
adjective
Relating to or characterized by stupidity or foolishness.
That was an imbecile decision that could have serious consequences.
Etymology
From Latin 'imbecilis' meaning 'weak' or 'weak-minded'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
playing the imbecile
Pretending to be stupid or ignorant.
acting like an imbecile
Behaving foolishly or irrationally.
not the brightest bulb
Referring to someone who is not intelligent; similar to calling them an imbecile.
Related Words
idiot
A person of very low intelligence.
fool
A person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person.
dunce
A slow-witted or unintelligent person.
Slang Meanings
Numbskull
Only a numbskull would try that stunt.
Bonehead
Don't be a bonehead; that idea is terrible.
Blockhead
He felt like a blockhead after realizing his mistake.