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 Word Forms

• derisible adjective
• nonderisible adjective
• underisible 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

Just down the street from the No Kings gathering in the nation's capital, the White House responded to the protests with derision.

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In July, her decision to double her salary to almost 35 times that of the monthly minimum wage in Peru was met with scorn and derision.

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But even as a rookie, Johnston became a target of derision for their fans.

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A self-styled moniker of 'The Scientist' brought derision.

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There are four words guaranteed to cause despair and derision among commuters waiting on a railway platform: "leaves on the line".

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Related Words

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