mockery

[mok-uh-ree]

noun

plural

mockeries 

1. ridicule, contempt, or derision.

2. a derisive, imitative action or speech.

3. a subject or occasion of derision.

4. an imitation, especially of a ridiculous or unsatisfactory kind.

   Synonyms: mimicry

5. a mocking pretense; travesty.

   a mockery of justice.

6. something absurdly or offensively inadequate or unfitting.

mockery

/ ˈmɒkərɪ /

noun

1. ridicule, contempt, or derision

2. a derisive action or comment

3. an imitation or pretence, esp a derisive one

4. a person or thing that is mocked

5. a person, thing, or action that is inadequate or disappointing

Other Word Forms

• self-mockery noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mockery¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English moquerie, from Middle French; equivalent to mock + -ery

Example Sentences

He made it look easy, making a mockery of the struggles other batsmen had on the bouncy track, bringing up his half-century in 36 balls, passing 4,000 Test runs in the process.

Read more on Barron's

Last December, a Unitree bot fell over and started convulsing at a demonstration, drawing online mockery.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She was declared the winner of October's presidential poll with 98% of the vote, but the opposition - which was barred from contesting - denounced the election as a "mockery of democracy".

Read more on BBC

The widespread mockery heaped upon him was justified by his appearance, his unhinged rhetorical flights and the theatrical atmosphere he deliberately created around himself.

Read more on Salon

She was declared the winner of last month's presidential poll with 98% of the vote - a result the opposition has denounced as a "mockery of democracy."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• contempt 
• derision 
• disdain 
• ridicule 
• scorn