lampoon

American  

[lam-poon] / læmˈpun /

noun

1. a sharp, often virulent satire directed against an individual or institution; a work of literature, art, or the like, ridiculing severely the character or behavior of a person, society, etc.

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verb (used with object)

1. to mock or ridicule in a lampoon.

   to lampoon important leaders in the government.

lampoon British  

/ læmˈpuːn /

noun

1. a satire in prose or verse ridiculing a person, literary work, etc

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verb

1. (tr) to attack or satirize in a lampoon

Related Words

See satire.

Other Word Forms

• lampooner noun
• lampoonery noun
• lampoonist noun
• unlampooned adjective

Etymology

Origin of lampoon

First recorded in 1635–45; from French lampon, said to be noun use of lampons “let us guzzle” (from a drinking song), imperative of lamper, akin to laper “to lap up,” from Germanic; lap ³

Example Sentences

Southwest Airlines, long known for lampooning its competitors’ fees, will charge for extra legroom on flights starting on Jan. 27.

From The Wall Street Journal

Barack Obama was criticized for answering reporters’ questions in an “informal” tan suit, while Secretary of Labor George Shultz was once lampooned for appearing in an “old-fashioned” double-breasted suit.

From The Wall Street Journal

But after an extensive hiatus, all three Wayans brothers are back, penning a new script that will lampoon the best and worst horror has had to offer in the 13 years since “Scary Movie 5.”

From Salon

Beeple, who is 44, spoke with The Wall Street Journal on Friday about his latest lampoon as he stood in the pen with his pack at the fair, which runs through Sunday.

From The Wall Street Journal

He played the game like a child, or like someone who was bent on lampooning a sacred ritual, which amounted to the same thing.

From Literature

Related Words

• caricature
• mock
• parody
• satirize