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taunt 1 [ tawnt, tahnt ] SHOW IPA
/ tɔnt, tɑnt / PHONETIC RESPELLING
📙 Middle School LevelThis shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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 1 First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain
OTHER WORDS FROM taunt taunt·er, noun un·taunt·ed, adjective
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH taunt taught , taunt , taut Words nearby taunt tauhinu ,
tauhou ,
tauiwi ,
tau lepton ,
tau neutrino ,
taunt ,
taunting ,
Taunton ,
Taunton Deane ,
Taunus Mountains ,
tauon
Other definitions for taunt (2 of 2)
taunt 2
[ tawnt, tahnt ] SHOW IPA
/ tɔnt, tɑnt / PHONETIC RESPELLING
Origin of taunt 2 First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
Words related to taunt barb ,
derision ,
gibe ,
insult ,
jab ,
jeer ,
put down ,
ridicule ,
deride ,
mock ,
offend ,
torment ,
brickbat ,
censure ,
comeback ,
crack ,
cut ,
dig ,
dump ,
mockery
How to use taunt in a sentence He repeated his taunt when the plane was fourth in line for takeoff.
It was the most taunt ing two fastened to the end of a big number since Alex Rodriguez signed that contract for a stunning $252 million two decades ago.
Following her into the inner Chamber of the building, the Hunter meets her nemesis, the Godslayer, who floats down in the air to taunt her and injure the eagle again.
The margins are mostly pretty small, and you have to weigh them against the intangibles, like having free hands or hearing taunt s about forgetting your skis.
The clinic police said Aaron Hayward stood behind his father, taunt ing them and shouting expletives.
Katya and her cronies laugh at and taunt Vasily as he leaves court.
Opposing fans often taunt him, screaming, “Swear in a minute, he's going to swear in a minute.”
In Mexico, crowds gather to watch dwarf bullfighters taunt their calves with red capes for pay of $50 to $100.
In Lost in the Meritocracy, Kirn charts how the economics of privilege taunt him at every turn in Princeton.
As the Kenyan government struggled to retake the mall, Shabaab lobbed taunt after taunt .
It was the taunt of his chief of the staff, "Do you know that the soldiers say you are afraid and do not dare to advance?"
Bill Barry's taunt about cash payment touched the pride of some, but the outcome of the matter was predestined from the beginning.
Ferris's taunt had reached its mark, and she realized with confusion that it was the truth he spoke.
But Georgie made no reply to her cousin's taunt , she merely extended her colourless hands towards the blazing fire of logs.
The Emperor seemed to fire up with indignation at the taunt , but he sank into the chair on the throne.
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British Dictionary definitions for taunt (1 of 2)
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 , noun taunting , adjective tauntingly , adverb Word Origin for taunt C16: from French phrase tant pour tant like for like, rejoinder
British Dictionary definitions for taunt (2 of 2)
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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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