jilt
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dʒɪlt/
KK: /dʒɪlt/
noun
Definition
A person who suddenly ends a romantic relationship with someone, often in a careless or unkind way.
Example
She was known as a jilt, having left many suitors heartbroken.
Conversation
Did you hear about Sarah's breakup?
Yeah, I heard she was a real jilt to him.
It's sad because he really liked her.
I know, but sometimes people just don't appreciate their partners.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
betrayer
deserter
rejector
Antonyms
loyalist
supporter
admirer
transitive verb
Definition
To suddenly end a romantic relationship with someone in a way that is unkind or without warning.
Example
She decided to jilt him right before the wedding, leaving him heartbroken.
Tense Forms
Past: jilted
Past Participle: jilted
Conversation
Did you hear about Sarah and Tom?
Yeah, I heard she jilted him right before the trip.
That's so harsh! I can't believe she would do that.
Root Explanation
Jilt originates from the 17th-century English dialect word 'jilt', meaning to deceive or to trick. It is believed to be derived from the earlier term 'jilt' which referred to a girl or young woman who is capricious or fickle in love.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who deceives or tricks another in love, as the word 'jilt' comes from a term for a fickle young woman.
Visually Confused Words
jillet