taunt

¹ American  

[tawnt, tahnt] / tɔnt, tɑnt /

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

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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 American  

[tawnt, tahnt] / tɔnt, tɑnt /

adjective

Nautical.

1. tall, as a mast.

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taunt ¹ British  

/ tɔːnt /

verb

1. to provoke or deride with mockery, contempt, or criticism

2. to tease; tantalize

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noun

1. a jeering remark

2. archaic the object of mockery

taunt ² British  

/ tɔːnt /

adjective

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

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Related Words

See ridicule.

Other Word Forms

• taunter noun
• taunting adjective
• tauntingly adverb
• untaunted adjective

Etymology

Origin of taunt¹

First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain

Origin of taunt²

First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

But Obasi suggests the attacks "may also be acts of defiance by some armed groups, taunting the US to make good on its threat of military action in Nigeria".

From Barron's

England fans also base taunts on his tearful news conference in 2018.

From BBC

Soon the revelation drew taunts from Elon Musk, who suggested his rival was a copycat.

From The Wall Street Journal

The chants taunting Liverpool fans were heard during the first half of the match.

From BBC

Another would prohibit officers from “using language to taunt or denigrate an individual, including using racist or otherwise derogatory language.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• barb
• derision
• gibe
• insult
• jab
• jeer
• put down
• ridicule