idiocy

noun

id·​i·​o·​cy ˈi-dē-ə-sē How to pronounce idiocy (audio)
plural idiocies
Synonyms of idiocynext
1
: extreme foolishness or stupidity
the idiocy of the idea
I suppose every mother is reduced to idiocy when describing her firstborn, but, oh, he is a beauty …—Katherine Paterson
2
: something that is extremely stupid or foolish : an idiotic action or statement
… a number of new bureaucratic idiocies have been instituted.—Anthony Burgess
3
dated, now offensive; see usage paragraph below : extreme intellectual disability
Usage of Idiocy

The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives, such as idiocy, were formerly used as technical descriptors in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts. These uses were broadly rejected by the close of the 20th century and are now considered offensive.

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Examples of idiocy in a Sentence

an act of sheer idiocy He was complaining again about the idiocies of the people he works for.

Word History

First Known Use

1523, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of idiocy was in 1523

Phrases Containing idiocy

Dictionary Entries Near idiocy

idiocratic

idiocy

idiocyclophanous

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Idiocy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiocy. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Kids Definition

idiocy

noun
id·​i·​o·​cy ˈid-ē-ə-sē How to pronounce idiocy (audio)
plural idiocies
: something stupid or foolish

Medical Definition

idiocy

noun
id·​i·​o·​cy ˈid-ē-ə-sē How to pronounce idiocy (audio)
plural idiocies
dated, now offensive; see usage paragraph below
: extreme intellectual disability

Usage of Idiocy

The terms idiot, imbecile, moron, and their derivatives, such as idiocy, were formerly used as technical descriptors in medical, educational, and regulatory contexts. These uses were broadly rejected by the close of the 20th century and are now considered offensive.

More from Merriam-Webster on idiocy

Nglish: Translation of idiocy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of idiocy for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about idiocy

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