taunt

¹

[ tawnt, tahnt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.

   Synonyms: insult, flout, upbraid, censure

2. to provoke by taunts; twit.

   Synonyms: jeer

noun

1. an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.

   Synonyms: ridicule, censure, derision, insult, scoff

2. Obsolete. an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.

taunt

²

[ tawnt, tahnt ]

adjective

, Nautical.

1. tall, as a mast.

taunt

¹

/ tɔːnt /

verb

1. to provoke or deride with mockery, contempt, or criticism
2. to tease; tantalize

noun

1. a jeering remark
2. archaic.
   the object of mockery

taunt

²

/ tɔːnt /

adjective

1. nautical (of the mast or masts of a sailing vessel) unusually tall

Derived Forms

• ˈtaunter, noun
• ˈtauntingly, adverb
• ˈtaunting, adjective

Other Words From

• taunt·er noun
• un·taunt·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of taunt¹

First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain

Origin of taunt²

First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of taunt¹

C16: from French phrase tant pour tant like for like, rejoinder

Origin of taunt²

C15: of uncertain origin

Synonym Study

See ridicule.

Example Sentences

Katya and her cronies laugh at and taunt Vasily as he leaves court.

From The Daily Beast

Opposing fans often taunt him, screaming, “Swear in a minute, he's going to swear in a minute.”

From The Daily Beast

In Mexico, crowds gather to watch dwarf bullfighters taunt their calves with red capes for pay of $50 to $100.

From The Daily Beast

In Lost in the Meritocracy, Kirn charts how the economics of privilege taunt him at every turn in Princeton.

From The Daily Beast

As the Kenyan government struggled to retake the mall, Shabaab lobbed taunt after taunt.

From The Daily Beast

It was the taunt of his chief of the staff, "Do you know that the soldiers say you are afraid and do not dare to advance?"

From Project Gutenberg

Bill Barry's taunt about cash payment touched the pride of some, but the outcome of the matter was predestined from the beginning.

From Project Gutenberg

Ferris's taunt had reached its mark, and she realized with confusion that it was the truth he spoke.

From Project Gutenberg

But Georgie made no reply to her cousin's taunt, she merely extended her colourless hands towards the blazing fire of logs.

From Project Gutenberg

The Emperor seemed to fire up with indignation at the taunt, but he sank into the chair on the throne.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• deride
• insult
• jeer
• mock
• offend
• ridicule
• torment