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taunt

1
[ tawnt, tahnt ]
/ tɔnt, tɑnt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR taunt

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

synonym study for taunt

2, 3. See ridicule.

OTHER WORDS FROM taunt

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH taunt

taught, taunt , taut

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

2
First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to taunt

gibe, jeer, ridicule, insult, derision, barb, put-down, jab, torment, deride, offend, mock, cut, dump, mockery, swipe, dig, sarcasm, slap, slam

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, adverb

Word 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012