feeble-minded

American  

[fee-buhl-mahyn-did] / ˈfi bəlˈmaɪn dɪd /

adjective

1. lacking the normal mental powers.

2. Medicine/Medical. (no longer in technical use) mentally deficient.

3. stupid or foolish; not sensible.

   feeble-minded remarks.

4. Archaic. lacking firmness of mind; indecisive.

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feeble-minded British  

adjective

1. lacking in intelligence; stupid

2. mentally defective

3. lacking decision; irresolute

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Other Word Forms

• feeble-mindedly adverb
• feeble-mindedness noun

Etymology

Origin of feeble-minded

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

Eleanor, who was born with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder, dies only a year after her parents reluctantly send her to the Walter E. Fernald State School, once known as the Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded.

From New York Times

In other instances, it could be due to a "sick-leader syndrome," in which dolphins unwittingly follow an older, confused and feeble-minded dolphin to their death.

From Salon

It is modeled on the historical institution of Laurelton State Village for Feeble-Minded Women of Childbearing Age, which operated in different forms between 1917 and 1998 in central Pennsylvania.

From Los Angeles Times

At 12, Darger was transferred to the Lincoln Asylum for Feeble-Minded Children from which he made three attempts to escape, finally succeeding at the age of 17.

From New York Times

Georgiana said she dreaded being left alone with Eliza; from her she got neither sympathy in her dejection, support in her fears, nor aid in her preparations; so I bore with her feeble-minded wailings and selfish lamentations as well as I could, and did my best in sewing for her and packing her dresses.

From Literature