First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1faint
adjective \ˈfānt\
: not clearly seen, heard, tasted, felt, etc.
: very slight or small
: weak and dizzy
Full Definition of FAINT
1
: lacking courage and spirit : cowardly <faint of heart>
2
: weak, dizzy, and likely to faint
3
: lacking strength or vigor : performed, offered, or accomplished weakly or languidly <faint praise>
4
: producing a sensation of faintness : oppressive <the faint atmosphere of a tropical port>
5
— faint·ish \ˈfān-tish\ adjective
— faint·ish·ness noun
— faint·ly adverb
— faint·ness noun
See faint defined for English-language learners
See faint defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FAINT
Middle English faint, feint, from Anglo-French, from past participle of feindre, faindre to feign, lose heart — more at feign
Related to FAINT
2faint
verb
: to suddenly become unconscious
Full Definition of FAINT
intransitive verb
1
archaic : to lose courage or spirit
2
archaic : to become weak
3
: to lose consciousness because of a temporary decrease in the blood supply to the brain
See faint defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FAINT
14th century
Related to FAINT
- Synonyms
- black out, conk (out), keel (over), pass out, swoon
- Antonyms
- come around, come round, come to, revive
3faint
noun
Definition of FAINT
First Known Use of FAINT
1792
FAINT Defined for Kids
1faint
adjective \ˈfānt\
faint·erfaint·est
Definition of FAINT for Kids
1
: not clear or plain : dim <faint handwriting>
2
: weak or dizzy and likely to collapse <I feel faint.>
3
: lacking strength <a faint attempt> <a faint breeze>
— faint·ly adverb
— faint·ness noun
2faint
verb
faint·edfaint·ing
Definition of FAINT for Kids
: to suddenly lose consciousness
3faint
noun
Definition of FAINT for Kids
: an act or condition of suddenly losing consciousness
Learn More About FAINT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: faintheart (adjective)Previous Word in the Dictionary: fainsAll Words Near: faint
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up faint? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).