taunt

¹

[ tawnt, tahnt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.

   Synonyms: insult, flout, upbraid, censure

2. to provoke by taunts; twit.

   Synonyms: jeer

noun

1. an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.

   Synonyms: ridicule, censure, derision, insult, scoff

2. Obsolete. an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.

taunt

²

[ tawnt, tahnt ]

adjective

, Nautical.

1. tall, as a mast.

taunt

¹

/ tɔːnt /

verb

1. to provoke or deride with mockery, contempt, or criticism
2. to tease; tantalize

noun

1. a jeering remark
2. archaic.
   the object of mockery

taunt

²

/ tɔːnt /

adjective

1. nautical (of the mast or masts of a sailing vessel) unusually tall

Derived Forms

• ˈtaunter, noun
• ˈtaunting, adjective
• ˈtauntingly, adverb

Other Words From

• taunt·er noun
• un·taunt·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of taunt¹

First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain

Origin of taunt²

First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of taunt¹

C16: from French phrase tant pour tant like for like, rejoinder

Origin of taunt²

C15: of uncertain origin

Synonym Study

See ridicule.

Example Sentences

Albanese made the taunt after facing interjections from frontbenchers, including shadow treasurer Angus Taylor, during a speech on tax changes.

From BBC

Opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston had earlier called the taunt "despicable" and demanded the PM apologise to the "entire Tourette's community".

From BBC

Machado claimed he wasn’t trying to taunt the Dodgers.

From Los Angeles Times

Moments later, with Tatis and Profar on first and second, Machado struck out, after which Flaherty appeared to shout a profane taunt at him that led to shouts from both dugouts.

From Los Angeles Times

The show’s title is also the killer’s moniker, reflecting his fascination with Biblical allusions in his baroque murder scenes Lois suspects are designed to taunt her.

From Salon

Related Words

• deride
• insult
• jeer
• mock
• offend
• ridicule
• torment