taunt
1 Americanverb (used with object)
adjective
verb
-
to provoke or deride with mockery, contempt, or criticism
-
to tease; tantalize
noun
-
a jeering remark
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archaic the object of mockery
adjective
Related Words
See ridicule.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of taunt1
First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain
Origin of taunt2
First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain
Explanation
A short list of people not to taunt: your big brother, nightclub bouncers, evil wizards. Taunts are insulting comments, and, unless you are a really, really fast runner, keep them to yourself. Taunting is often associated with large groups picking on an individual. A mob might call out a hated king from his castle with taunts and jeers. Bullying can also take the form of taunting — something that teachers, administrators, parents, and students are working together to stop.
Vocabulary lists containing taunt
List 4
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The Crossover
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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The residents cheer and taunt and follow from a safe distance.
From Slate • Feb. 11, 2026
Yet there’s a point behind the taunt, especially regarding energy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025
"Where is my new car, Land Rover," the hackers - who are thought to be teens - posted to taunt the company.
From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025
They weren’t afraid to flip bats or talk smack or taunt fans.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2025
“When I tell people how you taunt an old woman, they don’t believe me. ‘
From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
