derision

[ dih-rizh-uhn ]

noun

1. ridicule; mockery:

   The inept performance elicited derision from the audience.

2. an object of ridicule.

derision

/ dɪˈrɪʒən /

noun

1. the act of deriding; mockery; scorn
2. an object of mockery or scorn

Other Words From

• de·ris·i·ble [dih-, riz, -, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• nonde·risi·ble adjective
• unde·risi·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of derision¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English derisioun, from Old French derision, from Late Latin dērīsiōn-, stem of dērīsiō, from Latin dērīs(us) “mocked” (past participle of dērīdēre “to mock”; deride ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of derision¹

C15: from Late Latin dērīsiō, from Latin dērīsus; see deride

Example Sentences

Foss occasionally supplied pulpits in Baltimore and its suburbs, to the derision of the Herald agnostics.

From The Daily Beast

And the omission or derision of dads in the parent (aka “mommy”) blogosphere is a perennial pet peeve.

From The Daily Beast

This version is still being greeted with derision and genuine concern by various parents who oppose mandatory vaccination.

From The Daily Beast

When he gave interviews to the press, he was often quoted talking about his native country with derision.

From The Daily Beast

Most objects of Internet derision only remain interesting for a day or two, tops.

From The Daily Beast

The whole crowd shouted in derision, and Jones, in anger, fired every shot in his revolver before they could stop him.

From Project Gutenberg

Count Romanoff shrugged his shoulders, and a smile of derision and contempt passed over his features.

From Project Gutenberg

At those words of his the men interrogating him laughed in derision, declaring it to be a very elegant excuse.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence this Christian emblem became the object of scoffing and derision by the persecuting heathen.

From Project Gutenberg

I recalled patches of the bright dreams filling my poor noodle when I was riding to meet her, and I smiled in derision at myself.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• contempt
• disdain
• disrespect
• laughter
• mockery
• ridicule
• scorn