half-wit

[ half-wit, hahf- ]

noun

1. a person who is feeble-minded.
2. a person who is foolish or senseless; dunderhead.

   Synonyms: dimwit, dummy, dope, nitwit, fool, dolt, blockhead

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-wit¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

Naomi Watts plays Diana as a sweet-natured, wistful, half-wit.

From The Daily Beast

You probably saved my life, for you can't tell what a half-wit will do, when in a tantrum and armed with a knife.

From Project Gutenberg

The site of the old half-wit's cell was now the heart of a standing forest of fire—the flames as thick and yellow as a cornfield.

From Project Gutenberg

For even if one calls him a half-wit, it still makes a difference that he keeps the right half of his wits.

From Project Gutenberg

The half-wit, cracking his knuckles now yet more loudly, and knocking his fists together, had wholly lost his amiable smile.

From Project Gutenberg

They saw the half-wit boy now advance upon Don Lane with a roar or bawl of rage, his arms swinging flail-like.

From Project Gutenberg