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Jilt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’”
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jilt

[dส’ษชlt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

romantic rejection

To jilt someone means to suddenly reject or abandon a person you are involved with romantically. This often occurs in the context of a relationship where one partner abruptly ends the emotional connection without warning or explanation. The act of jilting can leave the other party feeling betrayed or heartbroken. It is commonly associated with engagements or serious relationships, where one partner decides to leave the other without the consideration of their feelings.

Synonyms

abandon, desert, reject.

Examples of usage

  • She was heartbroken when he decided to jilt her before their wedding.
  • He felt like he had been jilted when she stopped answering his calls.
  • Being jilted can lead to distrust in future relationships.
  • Many songs are written about the pain of being jilted.

Translations

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Origin of 'jilt'

The word 'jilt' dates back to the early 17th century, originally deriving from the dialectal term 'jilt', used in the sense of 'to engage in the act of lightly flirting or to toy with someoneโ€™s affections'. The exact origins of the word are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to be related to the Old English 'gylt', meaning 'to deceive or betray'. Over the centuries, the meaning has evolved to specifically refer to the act of abandoning or rejecting someone in a romantic context. Its usage has remained consistent throughout literary works and conversations, particularly in discussions about love and relationships. Jilting, thus, captures the essence of the emotional turmoil that can accompany sudden romantic rejection, making it a poignant term in both literature and everyday language.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,447, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.