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