teasing
the act of persistently annoying someone, especially playfully and with silly jokes about them: Most holidays, we all manage to squeeze in at Grandma’s and enjoy a crazy day full of laughter, teasing, eating, and sharing.
the act of bullying, harassing, or tormenting someone: Many students with learning disabilities suffer the frustration of low achievement and the teasing and poor self-image that come with it.
the act of purposely exciting, tantalizing, or sexually arousing someone without providing subsequent gratification: She smiled over her shoulder at him, brown eyes shiny with teasing.
harassing, tantalizing, or playfully annoying someone in any of these ways: In answer to my eager question, they shrugged a teasing “maybe.”Lisa turns 20 next month and her mother is already sending her teasing texts featuring grandma emojis.
Origin of teasing
1Other words from teasing
- teas·ing·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use teasing in a sentence
The Dukes of Hazzard were masters of button-popped shirts, teasingly open.
They exchanged long hugs, kidded each other, teasingly pulled rank, and shouted “hooah,” the warrior expression of approval.
They asked teasingly whether or not I liked the film Titanic.
Her husband, director of corporate wholesale for an automotive group, teasingly calls her crazy, but supports her fully.
Meet Mariann From Brooklyn, Howard Stern’s Biggest Fan | Kevin Fallon | February 28, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTIt's No 'Schmoopie' Barack teasingly calls Michelle “Flotus”—her official acronym (first lady of the United States).
"I think you kind of liked that fellow," said Roscoe teasingly.
Tom Slade with the Colors | Percy K. FitzhughMeredith had witnessed the whole performance from the cart and laughed teasingly at the climax of the raid.
Five Little Starrs in the Canadian Forest | Lillian Elizabeth RoyFirmstone teasingly went through the whole curriculum, ending with botany and zoology.
Blue Goose | Frank Lewis Nason"Although I might have a half dozen gem'mens writing to me for all you know," she added, teasingly.
Bee and Butterfly | Lucy Foster MadisonShe had looked at her smart little boots as she adjusted them on a hassock and had smiled at Kate almost teasingly.
The Precipice | Elia Wilkinson Peattie
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