jeer

¹

[ jeer ]

verb (used without object)

1. to speak or shout derisively; scoff or gibe rudely:

   Don't jeer unless you can do better.

   Synonyms: jest, sneer

verb (used with object)

1. to shout derisively at; taunt.

   Synonyms: fleer, flout, ridicule, deride

2. to treat with scoffs or derision; mock.

   Synonyms: fleer, flout, ridicule, deride

3. to drive away by derisive shouts (followed by out of, off, etc.):

   They jeered the speaker off the stage.

noun

1. a jeering utterance; derisive or rude gibe.

jeer

²

[ jeer ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. any of various combinations of tackles for raising or lowering heavy yards.

jeer

/ dʒɪə /

verb

1. often foll by at to laugh or scoff (at a person or thing); mock

noun

1. a remark or cry of derision; gibe; taunt

Derived Forms

• ˈjeerer, noun
• ˈjeering, adjectivenoun
• ˈjeeringly, adverb

Other Words From

• jeerer noun
• jeering·ly adverb
• un·jeered adjective
• un·jeering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jeer¹

1555–65; origin uncertain; compare Old English cēir clamor, akin to cēgan to call out

Origin of jeer²

First recorded in 1485–95; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of jeer¹

C16: of unknown origin

Synonym Study

See scoff ¹.

Example Sentences

When either was mentioned, boos and jeers filled the ballroom.

From Washington Post

A mighty shock drowned the boy's words at this moment, and seemed to jeer at them.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the first canons of criticism is never to attempt the feat yourself; jeer rather at others.

From Project Gutenberg

But men also humiliate us, degrade us, jeer at, ridicule the miseries that they and their society entail upon us.

From Project Gutenberg

The driver had turned to jeer at his companion when he found himself seized in a grip there was no fighting against.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course the boys of the town were attracted by the stranger's singular movements, and began to hoot and jeer.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hoot
• quip
• ridicule
• scoff
• sneer
• snipe
• taunt