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 Word Forms

• 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

A graphic video widely shared on social media showed him as he lay bleeding profusely on the street and an Israeli bystander jeered and heckled.

From BBC

Fan jeers and a cupped ear - is Postecoglou feeling the friction?

From BBC

They began booing the Bulldogs immediately after the injury and jeered them for the rest of the night.

From Los Angeles Times

Draper, who was leading 4-3, attempted to restart but asked the umpire to stop play because of the jeers.

From BBC

She added, to jeers and cheers: “I believe Jesus Christ would approve this policy.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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