derision
Americannoun
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ridicule; mockery.
The inept performance elicited derision from the audience.
-
an object of ridicule.
noun
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the act of deriding; mockery; scorn
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an object of mockery or scorn
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of derision
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”; see deride) + -iō -ion
Explanation
If people are laughing at you, making fun of you, and acting as if you're worthless, they're treating you with derision. Derision is mean and attacking — it's a form of contempt. Derision is more than just making fun of someone — it's mocking someone so forcefully and with such venom that you discredit the person completely. Derision can include literally laughing at someone or just treating a person like a joke. You know how celebrities and politicians do embarrassing things from time to time? They're usually treated with derision afterward: people mock them, treat them with contempt, and try to make the person who messed up seem completely worthless.
Vocabulary lists containing derision
"The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe
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Of Mice and Men
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Lord of the Flies
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the years since Black achieved notoriety, a single unknown artist is unlikely to reach universal derision in 2026 — but internet pile-ons are just as popular as they’ve always been.
From Salon • Feb. 16, 2026
So far, Wall Street’s reaction to the proposals has been a mix of derision and disbelief.
From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026
His decision to transfer was met with widespread derision from Huskies fans and officials, who made it known the university would enforce Williams’ contract even if it meant taking him to court.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026
There was always suspicion, even derision, in this country of England's style of play, despite a 2-2 draw in the UK two years ago.
From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025
They looked at him as if he were a maniac, pointing with derision at his dandy’s outfit.
From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
