INSULTING

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does insulting mean? 

• INSULTING (adjective)
  The adjective INSULTING has 1 sense:

1. expressing extreme contempt

  Familiarity information: INSULTING used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INSULTING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Expressing extreme contempt

Synonyms:

contemptuous; disdainful; insulting; scornful

Similar:

disrespectful (exhibiting lack of respect; rude and discourteous)

 Context examples 

It took Johansen, insulting and reviling the poor wretch, fully ten minutes to get him started again.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

After the first rush, each time, his snarl kept the three dogs at a distance but they trailed along behind, yelping and bickering and insulting him.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

I might as well inquire, replied she, why with so evident a desire of offending and insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your will, against your reason, and even against your character?

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

I cannot imagine that she will not be continually insulting her visitor with praise, encouragement, and offers of service; that she will not be continually detailing her magnificent intentions, from the procuring her a permanent situation to the including her in those delightful exploring parties which are to take place in the barouche-landau.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

It was Traddles; whom Mr. Mell instantly discomfited by bidding him hold his tongue. —To insult one who is not fortunate in life, sir, and who never gave you the least offence, and the many reasons for not insulting whom you are old enough and wise enough to understand, said Mr. Mell, with his lips trembling more and more, you commit a mean and base action.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Pity, Jane, from some people is a noxious and insulting sort of tribute, which one is justified in hurling back in the teeth of those who offer it; but that is the sort of pity native to callous, selfish hearts; it is a hybrid, egotistical pain at hearing of woes, crossed with ignorant contempt for those who have endured them.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I have seen him a score of times, at table, insulting this hunter or that, with cool and level eyes and, withal, a certain air of interest, pondering their actions or replies or petty rages with a curiosity almost laughable to me who stood onlooker and who understood.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

A pause. Then Tom's voice, incredulous and insulting: You must have gone there about the time Biloxi went to New Haven.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)