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
• untaunted adjective
• taunting adjective
• tauntingly adverb

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

Soon the revelation drew taunts from Elon Musk, who suggested his rival was a copycat.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Smith, who has been the target of England fans' taunts since his role in the 2018 ball-tampering incident against South Africa, saw them though.

Read more on BBC

Smith, 36, has often been taunted by fans over the scandal.

Read more on BBC

Smith was sacked as captain as a result of the ball-tampering episode against South Africa and it is often used by England fans as a taunt to the 36-year-old.

Read more on BBC

Occasionally, Woo leaps over a trash can or a recycling bin, as if to taunt me for my lack of hops.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

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