jilt

American  

[jilt] / dʒɪlt /

verb (used with object)

1. to reject or cast aside (a lover or sweetheart), especially abruptly or unfeelingly.

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noun

1. a woman who jilts a lover.

jilt British  

/ dʒɪlt /

verb

1. (tr) to leave or reject (a lover), esp without previous warning

   she was jilted at the altar

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noun

1. a woman who jilts a lover

Other Word Forms

• jilter
  noun

Etymology

Origin of jilt

First recorded in 1650–60; earlier jilt “harlot,” shortening of jillet

Explanation

When you jilt someone, you throw them over or reject them, especially romantically. It would be cruel to jilt your boyfriend on the day before the prom. If a bride jilts her groom, she leaves him waiting for her in his tuxedo, and if a boy jilts his date, he never shows up at the planned time. In either case, it's an unkind and thoughtless thing to do to someone. In the 1660s, to jilt meant "to deceive, cheat, or trick," and it was also a noun meaning "woman who gives hope and then dashes it," from the Middle English root gille, "lass or wench."

Example Sentences

Trying to remain friends ruined Jack’s marriage and made Alice jilt another man at the altar.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2024

The jilt is as much a part of college football life as the tailgate gluten, the harebrained booster or the targeting call under review.

From Washington Post • Nov. 30, 2021

Every time you are tempted to respond, look at your fiancé—the one who didn’t jilt you and lie to you.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2019

It was a hell of a way to snatch a late equaliser, set a wonderful record and convince José Mourinho he could finally jilt an over-the-hill hero.

From The Guardian • May 22, 2017

She might jilt a commoner for the chance of winning a marquis; but even that she would only do in a grand off-hand way befitting a daughter of the house of Ruysdale.

From The Doctor's Wife by Braddon, M. E. (Mary Elizabeth)