teasing

[ tee-zing ]
See synonyms for teasing on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  1. 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
  1. 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.

Origin of teasing

1
First recorded in 1585–95; teas(e) + -ing1 for the noun senses; teas(e) + -ing2 for the adjective sense

Other words from teasing

  • teas·ing·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use teasing in a sentence

  • Loving words to herself, kisses and stories for Meta, teasings and jokes for Margery.

    The Shadow of Ashlydyat | Mrs. Henry Wood
  • Even in their mutual teasings the deep, brotherly affection was unwavering.

    The Reclaimers | Margaret Hill McCarter
  • I tormented the family by persistent teasings to go somewhere, or to do something.

  • Undaunted by the teasings and laughter of the other girls “Peter Pan” strode out of the tent to show herself to the “other boys.”

    The Brand | Therese Broderick