teasing

American  

[tee-zing] / ˈti zɪŋ /

noun

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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adjective

1. 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.

Other Word Forms

• teasingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of teasing

First recorded in 1585–95; teas(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses; teas(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective sense

Example Sentences

Hannah didn’t join in on the teasing, but she also never said anything about it.

From Literature

The slush in my stomach melts away at his teasing tone.

From Literature

Before long, however, the two improbable friends have formed a siblinglike bond, sharing toys and teasing each other over who gets the most praise from Basma.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We have some things up our sleeves,” he said, teasing the possibilities.

From Los Angeles Times

He quirked a smile at me, a teasing smile that made me draw my hands off the chair and take a tiny step back.

From Literature

Related Words

• irritating
• joking
• mocking