taunt

¹

[tawnt, tahnt]

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

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

[tawnt, tahnt]

adjective

Nautical.

1. tall, as a mast.

taunt

¹

/ tɔːnt /

verb

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

2. to tease; tantalize

noun

1. a jeering remark

2. archaic,  the object of mockery

taunt

²

/ tɔːnt /

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of taunt¹

First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain

Origin of taunt²

First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of taunt¹

C16: from French phrase tant pour tant like for like, rejoinder

Origin of taunt²

C15: of uncertain origin

Synonym Study

See ridicule.

Example Sentences

Convicting him, District Judge John McGarva said Coskun's conduct had been "provocative and taunting" and told him "you have a deep-seated hatred of Islam and its followers".

Read more on BBC

At one point, a white man wearing a sombrero, poncho and fake mustache walked around and through the small group of protesters, yelling racial slurs and taunting them.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When he was asked if he was taunted by fans at Citizens Bank Park, he said he didn’t understand what they were saying.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For all of the taunting, though, the American home support hasn’t been particularly effective.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As a collective they are cruel, taunting and beating the hostages, denying them food for the slightest infraction.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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