beledigen

Beledigen is a Dutch verb meaning to insult, offend, or demean someone by words or behavior. It denotes actions or remarks that are disrespectful or humiliating. The term is used in everyday language as well as in legal, media, and academic contexts to describe hurtful communication.

As a transitive verb, beledigen takes a direct object: iemand beledigen. For example: Hij beledigde haar met denigrerende opmerkingen. Een belediging is the noun form meaning "an insult" or "an affront." The adjective is beledigend (insulting), and the past participle is beledigd, used in perfect tense or passive constructions: Hij is beledigd; Er werd beledigd door zijn opmerkingen.

Usage notes: beledigen covers direct verbal insults and other acts intended to degrade or affront someone. It is distinct from milder terms such as schelden (to swear or curse) or irriteren (to annoy). In many contexts, the offensiveness depends on tone, setting, and the relationship between speaker and listener; online environments may intensify perceptions of belediging.

Legal and social context: In the Netherlands and Belgium, acts of beledigen can have legal consequences in certain circumstances, especially when they target protected characteristics (hate speech) or occur in public order contexts. In ordinary social interaction, beledigen is typically treated as a personal wrong rather than a criminal offense, though civil actions or professional sanctions can follow, depending on jurisdiction and context.

Etymology and related forms: Beledigen is a native Dutch verb formed with the common be- prefix used to derive transitive verbs. Related forms include belediging (the insult), beledigend (insulting), and beledigd (insulted).