deride
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Related Words
See ridicule.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of deride
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin dērīdēre “to mock,” equivalent to dē- de- + rīdēre “to laugh”
Explanation
The verb deride means to speak to someone with contempt or show a low opinion of someone or something. A bully might constantly deride other kids in his class — which might lead to many afternoons spent in the principal's office. To "ride" people is to get on their case or give them a hard time, and to deride is to do the same with insulting language or poor treatment. Deride comes from the Latin root dērīdēre, meaning "to ridicule, to scorn," and it's often used to express dislike or even hatred. Criticizing something with words is a common way to deride, and politicians often deride each other in their speeches during election campaigns.
Vocabulary lists containing deride
Advanced English Words
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Dubliners
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Deride the IOC for its presumptiveness because it’s deserved.
From Washington Post • Jul. 23, 2021
But the leaves persist as before, and after Our parting the dull day still bears flowers; And songs less bright than his laughter Deride us from birds in the bowers.
From A Dark Month From Swinburne's Collected Poetical Works Vol. V by Swinburne, Algernon Charles
Born with rich heritage, Deride rich in knowledge!
From Truth and the Myth : Couplets quips by Narayanan, A. R.
Deride their altar, their weak frenzy ban, Yet do they war with gods and not with man!
From Polyeucte by Constable, Thomas
Deride no man's misfortunes, though there seem to be some cause.
From Our Deportment Or the Manners, Conduct and Dress of the Most Refined Society by Young, John H.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
