feeble-minded
|fee-ble-mind-ed|
🇺🇸
/ˈfiːbəlˌmaɪndɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˈfiːb(ə)lˌmaɪndɪd/
mentally weak
Etymology
'feeble-minded' is a compound of 'feeble' + 'minded'. 'feeble' comes into English via Old French 'feble' from Latin 'flēbilis' (from the verb 'flēre' meaning 'to weep'), and 'minded' is formed from 'mind' (Old English 'gemynd') plus an adjectival suffix.
'feeble' changed from Old French 'feble' into Middle English 'feeble' and then modern English 'feeble'; 'mind' evolved from Old English 'gemynd' to modern 'mind', and the compound 'feeble-minded' arose in modern English usage, originally in medical and legal contexts.
Originally Latin 'flēbilis' related to 'lamentable'; over time 'feeble' shifted to mean 'physically or mentally weak'. 'Feeble-minded' began as a clinical descriptor for low intellect but has become a derogatory, outdated term.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person considered to have low intelligence; often used collectively as 'the feeble-minded'. This use is offensive and outdated.
In the early 20th century some policies targeted the feeble-minded.
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Adjective 1
having a low level of intelligence; mentally weak. This term is considered derogatory and dated.
Calling someone 'feeble-minded' is insulting and offensive.
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Last updated: 2025/11/22 09:51