n.
Pronunciation: ' si-nik
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French or Latin, Middle French cynique, from Latin cynicus, from Greek kynikos, literally, like a dog, from kyn-, ky ō n dog ― more at HOUND
Date: 1542
1 capitalized : an adherent of an ancient Greek school of philosophers who held the view that virtue is the only good and that its essence lies in self-control and independence
2 : a faultfinding captious critic especially : one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest
– cynic adjective