Definition

1. Verb:

   • To abruptly and callously reject or abandon a romantic partner, especially after having encouraged or accepted their affection. This action is typically seen as capricious, unfeeling, or dishonorable.
   • To break off a relationship with (a lover or fiancé(e)) in a sudden or heartless manner.

2. Noun (archaic):

   • A person, traditionally a woman, who capriciously rejects or abandons a lover.

Usage

• The verb "jilt" is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the person being abandoned).
• It carries a strong negative connotation, implying betrayal, fickleness, and emotional cruelty.
• The noun form is now rare and often considered dated or literary.

Examples

• Verb:

  • He was heartbroken after she jilted him at the altar.
  • She felt guilty for jilting her longtime boyfriend without a proper explanation.
  • The character in the novel jilts her wealthy suitor to marry for love.

• Noun (archaic):

  • In the old story, she was portrayed as a cruel jilt.

Advanced Usage

• "to be jilted": This passive construction is common to describe the state of the person who was abandoned.
  • He was a jilted lover who swore never to trust again.
• The act of jilting often implies a breach of promise, particularly an engagement.

Variants and Related Words

• Jilter (n): One who jilts another. (Less common than the verb).
• Jilting (n): The act or instance of jilting someone.
  • His jilting was the talk of the town.

Synonyms

• Verb: Dump, ditch, abandon, reject, cast off, throw over, leave in the lurch.
• Noun (archaic): Coquette, flirt (though these imply leading on, not necessarily abandoning).

Antonyms

• Verb: Commit to, marry, remain faithful to, stand by.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Left at the altar": This specific scenario is a classic example of being jilted.
  • He was left at the altar, publicly jilted by his bride-to-be.
• While not a phrasal verb, "jilt" is the core action described in the idiom "to get a dear John letter" (a letter ending a relationship).

Noun

1. a woman who jilts a lover

Verb

1. cast aside capriciously or unfeelingly
   • jilt a lover or a bride