Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 21, 2026, is "jilt." This verb describes the act of abruptly ending a romantic relationship. The term can also extend to other forms of sudden and decisive rejection. For instance, a novel might feature a hero who has just been jilted by his fiancée. The word's origin is possibly linked to "Gillot," a pet form of Gillian. This name may have led to "jillet," initially referring to an unfaithful wife. By the late 17th century, "jilt" denoted a person, particularly a woman, who capriciously abandoned a lover. Subsequently, the verb "jilt" emerged to describe this behavior. While typically associated with romantic breakups, "jilt" can also signify the severance of close relationships in a broader sense.