idiocy

noun

id·​i·​o·​cy ˈi-dē-ə-sē How to pronounce idiocy (audio)
plural idiocies
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.

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

Dictionary Entries Near idiocy

Cite this Entry

“Idiocy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiocy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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