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

They have been sharing gruesome videos reportedly showing summary executions of mostly male civilians and ex-combatants, celebrating over dead bodies, and taunting and abusing people.

Read more on BBC

While her mother had "learned to live with it", Ms Auzière said, she suffered from the repercussions on her grandchildren who were taunted at school.

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It’s a mean taunt that comes from a sibling, unaware that civilization is crumpling around him.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He said he had experienced racist abuse and taunts on social media about a medical condition, and that he had been neglected and suffered physical and emotional abuse at home.

Read more on BBC

The show is vulgar, profane, provocative, taunting, violent and extreme, while at the same time being an exquisitely timed comedy with something like heart, a sentimentalism that isn’t completely ironic.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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