jeer

¹

[ jeer ]

verb (used without object)

1. to speak or shout derisively; scoff or gibe rudely:

   Don't jeer unless you can do better.

   Synonyms: jest, sneer

verb (used with object)

1. to shout derisively at; taunt.

   Synonyms: fleer, flout, ridicule, deride

2. to treat with scoffs or derision; mock.

   Synonyms: fleer, flout, ridicule, deride

3. to drive away by derisive shouts (followed by out of, off, etc.):

   They jeered the speaker off the stage.

noun

1. a jeering utterance; derisive or rude gibe.

jeer

²

[ jeer ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. any of various combinations of tackles for raising or lowering heavy yards.

jeer

/ dʒɪə /

verb

1. often foll by at to laugh or scoff (at a person or thing); mock

noun

1. a remark or cry of derision; gibe; taunt

Derived Forms

• ˈjeering, adjectivenoun
• ˈjeerer, noun
• ˈjeeringly, adverb

Other Words From

• jeerer noun
• jeering·ly adverb
• un·jeered adjective
• un·jeering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jeer¹

1555–65; origin uncertain; compare Old English cēir clamor, akin to cēgan to call out

Origin of jeer²

First recorded in 1485–95; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of jeer¹

C16: of unknown origin

Synonym Study

See scoff ¹.

Example Sentences

There were jeers for Ohio's Paul, who wore a diamond spiked ear cover and referenced the infamous title fight where Tyson bit a chunk out of Evander Holyfield's ear in 1997.

From BBC

Like others who supported McDonnell, her comments were met by a smattering of both applause and jeers.

From Los Angeles Times

“He shouldn’t have been hurt by the mob. Do not get me wrong,” Allred said, as the crowd inside the theater auditorium jeered.

From Los Angeles Times

He fought the jeers ACC crowds poured onto him while he became one of the best — and most hated — players in college basketball history.

From Los Angeles Times

Fans cheering their team’s players and jeering the other team’s players, fine.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hoot
• quip
• ridicule
• scoff
• sneer
• snipe
• taunt