mock

American  

[mok] / mɒk /

verb (used with object)

1. to attack or treat with ridicule, contempt, or derision.

   Synonyms:

   lampoon, parody, josh, tease, chaff, gibe, ridicule, scorn, deride

2. to ridicule by mimicry of action or speech; mimic derisively.

3. to mimic, imitate, or counterfeit.

4. to challenge; defy.

   His actions mock convention.

5. to deceive, delude, or disappoint.

   Synonyms:

   mislead, fool, dupe, cheat

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verb (used without object)

1. to use ridicule or derision; scoff; jeer (often followed byat ).

noun

1. a contemptuous or derisive imitative action or speech; mockery or derision.

2. something mocked or derided; an object of derision.

3. an imitation; counterfeit; fake.

4. Shipbuilding.

   1. a hard pattern representing the surface of a plate with a warped form, upon which the plate is beaten to shape after furnacing.

   2. Also called mock mold.  bed.

adjective

1. feigned; not real; sham.

   a mock battle.

verb phrase

1. mock up to build a mock-up of.

mock British  

/ mɒk /

verb

1. to behave with scorn or contempt (towards); show ridicule (for)

2. (tr) to imitate, esp in fun; mimic

3. (tr) to deceive, disappoint, or delude

4. (tr) to defy or frustrate

   the team mocked the visitors' attempt to score

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noun

1. the act of mocking

2. a person or thing mocked

3. a counterfeit; imitation

4. informal (often plural) (in England and Wales) the school examinations taken as practice before public examinations

adjective

1. sham or counterfeit

2. serving as an imitation or substitute, esp for practice purposes

   a mock battle

   mock finals

Related Words

See ridicule.

Other Word Forms

• mockable adjective
• mocker noun
• mocking noun
• mockingly adverb
• unmocked adjective

Etymology

Origin of mock

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English mokken, from Middle French mocquer

Explanation

Imitation may be the most sincere form of flattery, but to mock is to make fun of or mimic someone with contempt, ridicule or derision. "Louise’s favorite pastime was to mock her brother’s inability to sing on key." The verb mock — as in the use that inspired the name of the mockingbird — can be simple imitation but, more often, to mock someone is to show disdain through mimicry or parody. As an adjective, mock indicates a fake or a simulation: "The design team made the most fabulous mock Eiffel Tower for our staging of An American in Paris." "His mock gratitude was, at times, unbearable."

Example Sentences

I’m supposed to mock Michigan’s transfer-tastic roster for needing a map to find their way around campus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Wensleydale School decided to set an initial spend of £600, purchasing 1,250 credits to be used on English and history mock exam papers.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Video footage released by Belarusian state media showed Lukashenko presenting Kim with what appeared to be an automatic rifle, prompting Kim to respond with a mock reloading gesture and say "thank you".

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Andre retorted with mock indignation to a laugh from the audience.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

The two music stands are set up again for a mock debate.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden

Related Words

• deride
• insult
• parody
• scoff
• scorn
• taunt
• tease