verb / noun

jilt

JILT/dʒɪlt/

To suddenly reject or abandon a romantic partner.

In the movie, she jilts her fiancé just before their wedding.

A bride abruptly walks away from her groom during their wedding ceremony, holding up a rejecting palm while he remains beneath the small floral arch with the wedding ring extended.

Etymology

The verb first meant “cheat or trick,” then “discard after encouraging,” connecting romantic rejection with disappointed hopes. Its origin is uncertain; the related noun probably derives from a familiar term for a girl or woman.

In context

Storytime Haven241:46

“Heavens, no.” Valancy shuddered. “Besides, he wouldn’t do it. He’d shake his forefinger at me and I’d jilt you at the altar.

📖 The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery | A Tale of Love & Freedom 💙✨

More examples

He jilted his girlfriend after secretly dating someone else.
Being jilted left her reluctant to trust another partner.
Why would you jilt someone you planned to marry?

Forms

jilt · jilts · jilted · jilting

Similar words

dump: More informal; emphasizes ending a relationship rather than betrayal.
abandon: Broader; can mean leaving someone without support or protection.
reject: Broader; does not imply a prior romantic relationship.