Definition of faint

< fainéant

faint-hearted >

faint    (fnt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:
faint·er, faint·est

1. Lacking strength or vigor; feeble.
2. Lacking conviction, boldness, or courage; timid.
3. 1. Lacking brightness: a faint light in the gloom.
   2. Lacking clarity or distinctness: a faint recollection.
4. Likely to fall into a faint; dizzy and weak: felt faint for a moment.

NOUN:

An abrupt, usually brief loss of consciousness, generally associated with failure of normal blood circulation. See Synonyms at blackout.

intr.v.
faint·ed, faint·ing, faints

1. To fall into a usually brief state of unconsciousness.
2. Archaic To weaken in purpose or spirit.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, deceitful, cowardly, from Old French, past participle of feindre, to feign ; see feign

OTHER FORMS:
fainter(Noun), faintly(Adverb), faintness(Noun)