mock

[mok]

verb (used with object)

1. to attack or treat with ridicule, contempt, or derision.

   Synonyms: lampoon, parody, josh, tease, chaff, gibe, ridicule, scorn, deride

2. to ridicule by mimicry of action or speech; mimic derisively.

3. to mimic, imitate, or counterfeit.

4. to challenge; defy.

   His actions mock convention.

5. to deceive, delude, or disappoint.

   Synonyms: mislead, fool, dupe, cheat

verb (used without object)

1. to use ridicule or derision; scoff; jeer (often followed byat ).

noun

1. a contemptuous or derisive imitative action or speech; mockery or derision.

2. something mocked or derided; an object of derision.

3. an imitation; counterfeit; fake.

4. Shipbuilding.

   1. a hard pattern representing the surface of a plate with a warped form, upon which the plate is beaten to shape after furnacing.

   2. Also called mock mold. bed.

adjective

1. feigned; not real; sham.

   a mock battle.

verb phrase

1. mock up,  to build a mock-up of.

mock

/ mɒk /

verb

1. to behave with scorn or contempt (towards); show ridicule (for)

2. (tr) to imitate, esp in fun; mimic

3. (tr) to deceive, disappoint, or delude

4. (tr) to defy or frustrate

   the team mocked the visitors' attempt to score

noun

1. the act of mocking

2. a person or thing mocked

3. a counterfeit; imitation

4. informal,  (often plural) (in England and Wales) the school examinations taken as practice before public examinations

adjective

1. sham or counterfeit

2. serving as an imitation or substitute, esp for practice purposes

   a mock battle

   mock finals

Other Word Forms

• mockable adjective
• mocker noun
• unmocked adjective
• mockingly adverb
• mocking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mock¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English mokken, from Middle French mocquer

Word History and Origins

Origin of mock¹

C15: from Old French mocquer

Synonym Study

See ridicule.

Example Sentences

Mainstream pundits were tactfully silent in their appraisals of this event, no doubt wanting to avoid the appearance of mocking anyone’s grief.

From Salon

The fictional Norfolk-based host can be used as a comedic "Trojan horse", he says, to talk about taboo subjects and to "mock different kinds of received wisdom."

From BBC

Dillon also mocked his critics during the episode, impersonating them in a droning voice: “They don’t believe in anything, these people.”

From Los Angeles Times

He appeared to mock the president when he said London was not "the wasteland of anarchy" it was sometimes portrayed.

From BBC

During his speech the prime minister attacked "lies" that are being told about Britain and mocked figures who sought to portray London as "the wasteland of anarchy".

From BBC

Related Words

• deride 
• insult 
• parody 
• scoff 
• scorn 
• taunt 
• tease