derision

[ dih-rizh-uhn ]

noun

1. ridicule; mockery:

   The inept performance elicited derision from the audience.

2. an object of ridicule.

derision

/ dɪˈrɪʒən /

noun

1. the act of deriding; mockery; scorn
2. an object of mockery or scorn

Other Words From

• de·ris·i·ble [dih-, riz, -, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• nonde·risi·ble adjective
• unde·risi·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of derision¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English derisioun, from Old French derision, from Late Latin dērīsiōn-, stem of dērīsiō, from Latin dērīs(us) “mocked” (past participle of dērīdēre “to mock”; deride ) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of derision¹

C15: from Late Latin dērīsiō, from Latin dērīsus; see deride

Example Sentences

Walz in particular has used the line that Trump is “weird” to great effect, treating Trump’s brashness not with pearl-clutching indignation but cheeky Midwest derision.

From Los Angeles Times

Since Mr Vance joined Trump’s ticket in July, the Ohio senator has made repeated stumbles, forced to defend past comments, like his derision of “childless cat ladies”.

From BBC

Through half a century of death threats and derision, Warren Hern has never stopped providing women with critically needed healthcare.

From Los Angeles Times

Given his half a century of work in the face of derision and danger, I asked Dr. Hern if he still found joy in his work.

From Los Angeles Times

This led Garten to an anecdote about attempting to buy coffee to-go in Paris, a request often met with confusion, if not subtle derision, at local cafes.

From Salon

Related Words

• contempt
• disdain
• disrespect
• laughter
• mockery
• ridicule
• scorn