noun
wimp
wihmp
noun
1
Someone seen as weak, timid, or lacking backbone.
"Stop being such a wimp and just ask her out."
"He was called a wimp for backing down from the argument."
verb
1
To back out of something through nervousness or lack of nerve, usually as "wimp out".
"He wimped out of the bungee jump at the last second."
How to Use Wimp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal, mildly insulting word for someone timid or easily scared off.
When to use it
Casual and a bit childish — fine among friends, not for formal writing.
Common pairings
wimp out
such a wimp
don't be a wimp
Word Forms
more wimp comparative, wimped past tense, wimps plural, wimps singular, most wimp superlative
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Etymology
Possibly a shortening of "whimper"; popularised in the 20th century partly through comic and radio characters named Wimpy and Wimple.