taunt
verb (used with object)
to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.
had been taunting
-
past perfect progressiveof taunt.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
The final out was especially gratifying; he fanned first baseman George Scott, who throughout the series had been taunting Gibson and the Cards.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 3, 2020
The witness said the two men and two women in their early to mid-20s had been taunting the animal.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 20, 2015
“Nix verstandt,” said another who had been taunting her in idiomatic English all morning.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
The big man had been taunting her, for his teeth showed in a mocking grin as he hovered near her, apparently sure of her.
From The Coming of the Law by Charles Alden Seltzer
Mr. Sanders had mistaken him for some of the young men who had been taunting him as they stood at a safe distance.
From Gabriel Tolliver A Story of Reconstruction by Joel Chandler Harris
