insult

[ɪnˈsʌlt]

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An insult is an unkind or hurtful thing someone says about you.

When people use this word, they usually mean that someone has made a comment that's meant to offend them. This can happen anywhere - at work, on social media, or even just among friends. For example, if your friend makes fun of your haircut and you feel bad about it, their comment was an insult. Sometimes, people might say something hurtful without meaning to be mean-spirited, but that's still considered an insult. Insults can also be very direct, like making a rude or derogatory remark, or more indirect, like spreading rumors or gossip.

How common is "insult"?

Word insult is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

Action or form of speech deliberately intended to be rude; a particular act or statement having this effect.
Something that causes offence (for example, by being of an unacceptable quality).
Example: The way the orchestra performed tonight was an insult to my ears.
Something causing disease or injury to the body or bodily processes; the injury so caused.
An assault or attack; (specifically) an assault, attack, or onset carried out without preparation.
An act of leaping upon.

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verb

To be insensitive, insolent, or rude to (somebody); to affront or demean (someone).
To assail, assault, or attack; (specifically) to carry out an assault, attack, or onset without preparation.
To behave in an obnoxious and superior manner (against or over someone).
To leap or trample upon.

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