taunt
1[ tawnt, tahnt ]
/ tɔnt, tɑnt /
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
1First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain
synonym study for taunt
2, 3. See ridicule.
OTHER WORDS FROM taunt
Definition for taunt (2 of 2)
taunt2
[ tawnt, tahnt ]
/ tɔnt, tɑnt /
adjective Nautical.
tall, as a mast.
Origin of taunt
2First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
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, adverbWord 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
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