taunting

[tawn-ting, tahn-]

adjective

1. reproaching or challenging someone in a sarcastic, insulting, or scornful way.

   The Times obtained copies of his emails, which our reviewer found unquestionably harassing, with a taunting quality to them.

noun

1. the act or an instance of reproaching or challenging someone in this way.

   The taunting included comments such as "Go home!" and "What are you doing in our country?"

Other Word Forms

• tauntingly adverb
• untaunting adjective
• untauntingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of taunting¹

First recorded in 1540–50; taunt ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective; taunt ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun

Example Sentences

He took particular issue with Newsom’s taunting reaction after Bed Bath & Beyond recently announced it won’t open or operate new stores in California.

From Los Angeles Times

That said, McIlroy and his European teammates did appear to take part in a little playful taunting of their own after their win Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times

So Bovino and his janissaries posing in front of the Hollywood sign comes off like a hunter posing in front of his killed prey or a taunting postcard to L.A.:

From Los Angeles Times

The 21-year-old had been caught on video "taunting" officers by running a large stick along their shields and throwing missiles, including stones, at the police line.

From BBC

That came from the other team’s fans, who filled the Pasadena night with the taunting chant of, “Let’s Go Utah.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acerbic 
• acid 
• arrogant 
• biting 
• bitter 
• brusque 
• caustic 
• derisive 
• disparaging 
• disrespectful 
• mordant 
• sardonic 
• satirical 
• saucy 
• trenchant