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

Sheffield's Fitzpatrick was taunted for his brand of footwear and for wearing braces in his teeth until relatively recently.

From BBC

What consequential life experiences have I missed, taunting my eyeballs, indulging this social media imp turned experimental pugilist as he bumbles around the ring with has-beens and never-weres?

From The Wall Street Journal

Will he still marry her now, Ms. Williams’s Anna asks with taunting sarcasm?

From The Wall Street Journal

“It was almost like the system was taunting me,” said Alex, who is now a Cal State University graduate student and chose to use his middle name for fear of being targeted by immigration authorities.

From Los Angeles Times

But Obasi suggests the attacks "may also be acts of defiance by some armed groups, taunting the US to make good on its threat of military action in Nigeria".

From Barron's

Related Words

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