teasing

[ tee-zing ]

/ ˈti zɪŋ /

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See synonyms for: teasing / teasings on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act of persistently annoying someone, especially playfully and with silly jokes about them: Most holidays, we all manage to squeeze in at Grandma’s and enjoy a crazy day full of laughter, teasing, eating, and sharing.

the act of bullying, harassing, or tormenting someone: Many students with learning disabilities suffer the frustration of low achievement and the teasing and poor self-image that come with it.

the act of purposely exciting, tantalizing, or sexually arousing someone without providing subsequent gratification: She smiled over her shoulder at him, brown eyes shiny with teasing.

adjective

harassing, tantalizing, or playfully annoying someone in any of these ways: In answer to my eager question, they shrugged a teasing “maybe.”Lisa turns 20 next month and her mother is already sending her teasing texts featuring grandma emojis.

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Origin of teasing

teas(e) + -ing¹ for the noun senses; teas(e) + -ing² for the adjective sense

OTHER WORDS FROM teasing

teas·ing·ly, adverb

How to use teasing in a sentence

The Dukes of Hazzard were masters of button-popped shirts, teasingly open.
Jude Law and the Great Male ‘He-Vage’ Crisis|Tim Teeman|May 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They exchanged long hugs, kidded each other, teasingly pulled rank, and shouted “hooah,” the warrior expression of approval.
Black Hawk Down’s Long Shadow|Daniel Klaidman|October 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
They asked teasingly whether or not I liked the film Titanic.
The World’s Most Vulnerable Mayor|Janine di Giovanni|March 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Her husband, director of corporate wholesale for an automotive group, teasingly calls her crazy, but supports her fully.
Meet Mariann From Brooklyn, Howard Stern’s Biggest Fan|Kevin Fallon|February 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST

It's No 'Schmoopie' Barack teasingly calls Michelle “Flotus”—her official acronym (first lady of the United States).
The Obamas' More Perfect Union|The Daily Beast|October 29, 2009|DAILY BEAST
"I think you kind of liked that fellow," said Roscoe teasingly.
Tom Slade with the Colors|Percy K. Fitzhugh
Meredith had witnessed the whole performance from the cart and laughed teasingly at the climax of the raid.
Five Little Starrs in the Canadian Forest|Lillian Elizabeth Roy
Firmstone teasingly went through the whole curriculum, ending with botany and zoology.
Blue Goose|Frank Lewis Nason
"Although I might have a half dozen gem'mens writing to me for all you know," she added, teasingly.
Bee and Butterfly|Lucy Foster Madison
She had looked at her smart little boots as she adjusted them on a hassock and had smiled at Kate almost teasingly.
The Precipice|Elia Wilkinson Peattie

teasing

Origin of teasing

OTHER WORDS FROM teasing

Words related to teasing

How to use teasing in a sentence