mockery

[ mok-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural mock·er·ies.

1. ridicule, contempt, or derision.
2. a derisive, imitative action or speech.
3. a subject or occasion of derision.
4. an imitation, especially of a ridiculous or unsatisfactory kind.

   Synonyms: mimicry

5. a mocking pretense; travesty:

   a mockery of justice.

6. something absurdly or offensively inadequate or unfitting.

mockery

/ ˈmɒkərɪ /

noun

1. ridicule, contempt, or derision
2. a derisive action or comment
3. an imitation or pretence, esp a derisive one
4. a person or thing that is mocked
5. a person, thing, or action that is inadequate or disappointing

Other Words From

• self-mocker·y noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mockery¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English moquerie, from Middle French; equivalent to mock + -ery

Example Sentences

The father of young woman shot dead on Christmas Eve said the early release of her killer's accomplice due to prison overcrowding "makes a mockery" of justice.

From BBC

"It's a mockery isn't it?" he said.

From BBC

In a blog post, Via said pardons would “make a mockery of our justice system, and it will send the message to his followers that violence is a legitimate response to political outcomes they don’t like.”

From BBC

This warped revival parallels the case of Joey Deacon, a man with cerebral palsy whose appearance on Blue Peter in the 1980s backfired to spark playground mockery, with kids shouting “you're a Joey!”

From BBC

She was vigorously defended by Olympic officials, but the her performance split opinion within the breaking community, with some saying she made a mockery of the sport.

From BBC

Related Words

• contempt
• derision
• disdain
• ridicule
• scorn