taunt
1- to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.
- to provoke by taunts; twit.
- an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.
- Obsolete. an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.
Origin of taunt
1Synonyms for taunt
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comtaunt
2- tall, as a mast.
Origin of taunt
2Related Words for taunt
gibe, jeer, ridicule, insult, derision, barb, put-down, jab, torment, deride, offend, mock, cut, dump, mockery, swipe, dig, sarcasm, slap, slamExamples from the Web for taunt
Contemporary Examples of taunt
Katya and her cronies laugh at and taunt Vasily as he leaves court.
The ‘Hunted’ Gays of Putin’s Russia: Vicious Vigilantes and State Bigotry Close UpTim Teeman
October 6, 2014
Opposing fans often taunt him, screaming, “Swear in a minute, he's going to swear in a minute.”
As the Kenyan government struggled to retake the mall, Shabaab lobbed taunt after taunt.
Today, McConnell, in an effort to taunt Democrats in the Senate, introduced the measure and challenged the Senate to vote on it.
Hassan Nasrallah fought the Israelis and lives to taunt them.
Historical Examples of taunt
Herkimer's tanned and swarthy face changed color at this taunt.
In the ValleyHarold Frederic
None but cowards will insult and taunt the defeated and defenceless.
The Works of Whittier, Volume VII (of VII)John Greenleaf Whittier
I had already forgiven you, even before you ceased to reproach and taunt me.
Life And Adventures Of Martin ChuzzlewitCharles Dickens
When you taunt me as you do to my face, how can I wonder that you taunt her behind her back!'
Barnaby RudgeCharles Dickens
"You've never asked me to marry you," she said quietly, this time without a taunt.
The Education of Eric LaneStephen McKenna
taunt
1- to provoke or deride with mockery, contempt, or criticism
- to tease; tantalize
- a jeering remark
- archaic the object of mockery
Word Origin for taunt
taunt
2- nautical (of the mast or masts of a sailing vessel) unusually tall
Word Origin for taunt
Word Origin and History for taunt
1510s, possibly from Middle French tanter, tenter "to tempt, try, provoke," variant of tempter "to try" (see tempt). Or from Middle French tant pour tant "so much for so much, tit for tat," on notion of "sarcastic rejoinder." Related: Taunted; taunting.
1520s, from taunt (v.).