derision

[ dih-rizh-uh n ]

/ dɪˈrɪʒ ən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR derision ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

ridicule; mockery: The inept performance elicited derision from the audience.

an object of ridicule.

Nearby words

derestrict, dergue, deride, deringer, derisible, derision, derisive, derisively, derisory, deriv., derivate

Origin of derision

1350–1400; Middle English derisioun < Old French derision < Late Latin dērīsiōn- (stem of dērīsiō), equivalent to Latin dērīs(us) mocked (past participle of dērīdēre; see deride) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms

de·ris·i·ble

[dih-riz-uh-buh l] /dɪˈrɪz ə bəl/, adjectivenon·de·ris·i·ble, adjectiveun·de·ris·i·ble, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for derision

Foss occasionally supplied pulpits in Baltimore and its suburbs, to the derision of the Herald agnostics.
The Stacks: H.L. Mencken on the 1904 Baltimore Fire|H.L. Mencken|October 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And the omission or derision of dads in the parent (aka “mommy”) blogosphere is a perennial pet peeve.
Move Over, Ladies: Dove Does Dads|Andy Hinds|June 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This version is still being greeted with derision and genuine concern by various parents who oppose mandatory vaccination.
Colorado’s Anti-Anti-Vaxxer Bill Gets Watered Down|Kent Sepkowitz|April 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When he gave interviews to the press, he was often quoted talking about his native country with derision.
Why Are All of Johnny Depp’s Movies Bombing at the Box Office?|Tricia Romano|April 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Most objects of Internet derision only remain interesting for a day or two, tops.
‘American Blogger’ Is So Bad, You’ll Wish It Was a Spoof|Andy Hinds|April 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I have no doubt that derision kept many people out of the ark.
T. De Witt Talmage|T. De Witt Talmage
I am made a derision to all my people, their song all the day long.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
The government party were, in derision, called courtiers, and they in turn characterized the opposition as a Dutch mob.
Old Taverns of New York|William Harrison Bayles
Nat's lips curled in derision: it wouldn't equal the expense of his journey out here.
The Beast of Space|F.E. Hardart
When they caught sight of him, the crowd broke into a hiss of derision.
The Princess and Curdie|George MacDonald

British Dictionary definitions for derision

derision

/ (dɪˈrɪʒən) /

noun

the act of deriding; mockery; scorn

an object of mockery or scorn

Word Origin for derision

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012