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jilt

verb

/ʤɪlt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of jilt

To reject or abandon someone or something in a sudden and callous way, especially in a romantic relationship.
"She felt it was better to jilt him now than after the wedding."

Detailed meaning of jilt

It is a verb that implies a sudden change in feelings or intentions, often leaving the other person feeling hurt or betrayed. Jilting can occur when one person is no longer interested in the relationship or when they find someone else. It can also refer to ending an engagement or breaking off a marriage. In any case, the act of jilting can be emotionally damaging and can leave the person who has been jilted feeling rejected, humiliated, and heartbroken.

Example sentences containing jilt

1. When she learned the truth about him, she decided to jilt him at the altar.
2. Despite his promises, he planned to jilt her for another.
3. Why would you jilt such a kind and loving person?
4. His fear of commitment made him jilt every woman he dated.
5. It's cruel to jilt someone who genuinely loves you.
6. The decision to jilt his fiancée weighed heavily on his conscience.

History and etymology of jilt

The verb 'jilt' has its etymological roots in the 17th century, and its precise origin is not entirely clear. It is believed to be related to the word 'jillet,' which was a term used in the 17th century to describe a woman of loose or flirtatious character. 'Jillet' itself may have been influenced by the French word 'gigolo,' meaning a young man who is a social companion to older women. Over time, the meaning of 'jilt' evolved to describe the act of suddenly and callously rejecting or abandoning someone, especially in the context of romantic relationships. This transition in meaning likely occurred as the term 'jilt' became associated with the behavior of individuals who exhibited fickle or capricious tendencies in matters of love, further highlighting its connection to the world of courtship and relationships.

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Further usage examples of jilt

1. Will she have the courage to jilt her unfaithful partner?
2. He never expected her to jilt him for his best friend.
3. She decided to jilt him after discovering his dishonesty.
4. Do you think it's right to jilt someone because of their past mistakes?
5. The young lady had no choice but to jilt her suitor after he was caught stealing.
6. He decided to jilt his partner when he met the woman of his dreams.
7. The news that she was about to jilt him spread through the town like wildfire.
8. He'd been planning to jilt her for weeks, but couldn't find the right moment.
9. The fear of being jilted made him cling onto relationships that weren't good for him.
10. Her friends advised her to jilt her boyfriend after they caught him cheating.
11. He thought he could jilt her and walk away without any consequences.
12. She was determined to jilt him before he had the chance to break her heart.
13. The decision to jilt him wasn't easy, but it was necessary for her peace of mind.
14. He decided to jilt her on the eve of their wedding.
15. She felt devastated when he jilted her for someone else.
16. Jane couldn't believe Tom would jilt her without explanation.
17. It's cruel to jilt someone without a valid reason.
18. He jilted his loyal business partner for a better offer.
19. Her heartbreak was profound when he jilted her for her friend.
20. He promised forever, only to jilt her weeks later.
21. Jilting someone can have lasting emotional repercussions.
22. She couldn't understand why he would jilt her after years together.
23. He regretted the decision to jilt his dream job for a lesser one.
24. The film's twist ending revealed the protagonist would jilt her suitor.