v. & n.
v.tr. 1 speak to or treat with scornful abuse or indignity. 2 offend the self-respect or modesty of.
n. 1 an insulting remark or action. 2 colloq. something so worthless or contemptible as to be offensive. 3 Med. a an agent causing damage to the body. b such damage. insulter n. insultingly adv.
[ F insulte or L insultare (as IN-(2), saltare frequent. of salire salt- leap) ]