taunt
1[ tawnt, tahnt ]
/ tɔnt, tɑnt /
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verb (used with object)
to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.
to provoke by taunts; twit.
noun
an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.
Obsolete. an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.
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Origin of taunt
1First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain
synonym study for taunt
2, 3. See ridicule.
OTHER WORDS FROM taunt
Words nearby taunt
tauhinu, tauhou, tauiwi, tau lepton, tau neutrino, taunt, Taunton, Taunton Deane, Taunus Mountains, tauon, tau particle
Definition for taunt (2 of 2)
taunt2
[ tawnt, tahnt ]
/ tɔnt, tɑnt /
adjective Nautical.
tall, as a mast.
Origin of taunt
2First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for taunt
British Dictionary definitions for taunt (1 of 2)
taunt1
/ (tɔːnt) /
verb (tr)
to provoke or deride with mockery, contempt, or criticism
to tease; tantalize
noun
a jeering remark
archaic the object of mockery
Derived forms of taunt
taunter, nountaunting, adjectivetauntingly, adverbWord Origin for taunt
C16: from French phrase tant pour tant like for like, rejoinder
British Dictionary definitions for taunt (2 of 2)
taunt2
/ (tɔːnt) /
adjective
nautical (of the mast or masts of a sailing vessel) unusually tall
Word Origin for taunt
C15: of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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