| 释义 |
ˈweak-ˈminded, a.
1. Having a weak mind; lacking strength of purpose. Of actions, opinions, etc.: Indicating weakness of mind.
1716T. Cave Let. 5 Aug. in M. M. Verney Verney Lett. (1930) II. xxii. 43 We all continue in perfect sanity of body but very weak-minded this hott weather, as you'l judg by this Scrawll. 1782F. Burney Cecilia v. xiii, ‘Oh fie,’ cried he, ‘to suffer your understanding to be lulled asleep, because the weak-minded Mr. Arnott's could not be kept awake!’ 1842Abdy Water Cure 57 Nor will any one, who wilfully prejudices the weak-minded and uninstructed against this method,..stand guiltless. 1863M. E. Braddon Eleanor's Vict. III. xv. 227 It is my misfortune to be weak-minded. I can't say ‘no’ to people. 1878J. Gairdner Rich. III, i. 7 The Duke of York..fruitlessly endeavoured to bind a weak-minded king by pledges. 1890H. James Tragic Muse xxxv, If he should go abroad his mother might think he had some weak⁓minded view of joining Julia Dallow.
2. Mentally deficient; half-witted.
1883Encycl. Brit. XV. 797/1 The care of the weak-minded and the insane. 1899Allbutt's Syst. Med. VII. 744 The educative and disciplinary influences resorted to in the treatment of weak-minded children. 1899Daily News 28 Sept. 7/3 This woman had two sisters weak-minded, who were in the lunatic asylum.
Hence ˈweak-ˈmindedness.
1854Mill Diary 4 Feb., in Lett. (1910) II. 367 It might well be that even good men..thought that to be scrupulous about means was weakmindedness. 1888Fortn. Rev. 1 Oct. 449 Murderous attacks may result from..Insanity of primary weak-mindedness. 1897M. Kingsley W. Africa 400 How long ago this happened it is impossible to say, owing to..the weak-mindedness of the African regarding time. |