taunt

¹ American  

[tawnt, tahnt] / tɔnt, tɑnt /

verb (used with object)

1. to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.

   Synonyms:

   insult, flout, upbraid, censure

2. to provoke by taunts; twit.

   Synonyms:

   jeer

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noun

1. an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.

   Synonyms:

   ridicule, censure, derision, insult, scoff

2. Obsolete. an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.

taunt ² American  

[tawnt, tahnt] / tɔnt, tɑnt /

adjective

Nautical.

1. tall, as a mast.

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taunt ¹ British  

/ tɔːnt /

verb

1. to provoke or deride with mockery, contempt, or criticism

2. to tease; tantalize

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noun

1. a jeering remark

2. archaic the object of mockery

taunt ² British  

/ tɔːnt /

adjective

1. nautical (of the mast or masts of a sailing vessel) unusually tall

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Related Words

See ridicule.

Other Word Forms

• taunter noun
• taunting adjective
• tauntingly adverb
• untaunted adjective

Etymology

Origin of taunt¹

First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain

Origin of taunt²

First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

There was also an image of Gabriel Martinelli taunting Wolves' fans with a "2-1" gesture, only to look daft when Arsenal conceded that late leveller.

From BBC

“No clean plate club for you,” Katherine taunted, which was really stupid.

From Literature

Her dreams propelled Jackson toward college — as did a need to avenge the childhood taunts that echoed in his head.

From Los Angeles Times

During that run, which included six stoppage wins, Kelly - nicknamed 'Pretty Boy' - caught the eye by dancing around the ring and taunting opponents.

From BBC

They have operated within a context of fairly constant challenge—surrounded, pushed, jeered and taunted.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• barb
• derision
• gibe
• insult
• jab
• jeer
• put down
• ridicule