lampoon

[ lam-poon ]

noun

1. a sharp, often virulent satire directed against an individual or institution; a work of literature, art, or the like, ridiculing severely the character or behavior of a person, society, etc.

verb (used with object)

1. to mock or ridicule in a lampoon:

   to lampoon important leaders in the government.

lampoon

/ læmˈpuːn /

noun

1. a satire in prose or verse ridiculing a person, literary work, etc

verb

1. tr to attack or satirize in a lampoon

Derived Forms

• lamˈpooner, noun
• lamˈpoonery, noun

Other Words From

• lam·pooner lam·poonist noun
• lam·pooner·y noun
• unlam·pooned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lampoon¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from French lampon, said to be noun use of lampons “let us guzzle” (from a drinking song), imperative of lamper, akin to laper “to lap up,” from Germanic; lap ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of lampoon¹

C17: from French lampon, perhaps from lampons let us drink (frequently used as a refrain in poems)

Synonym Study

See satire.

Example Sentences

But humor has changed in the internet age, and even if she is now basically uncancelable, Griffin has softened her touch accordingly, acknowledging that she is part of the tax bracket she lampoons.

From Salon

The underlying question, when it comes to fluoridation, is whether the kooky claims about "bodily fluids" lampooned by Stanley Kubrick in "Dr. Strangelove" bear any relationship to the more sober assertions from scientists.

From Salon

That same "uninteresting" persona was even lampooned by notorious ITV puppet show Spitting Image - a dubious honour usually reserved for heads of state, top ranking politicians and Hollywood celebrities.

From BBC

To some, the disclosure made it look like Baldwin’s prosecution was politically motivated because many conservatives dislike Baldwin, who lampooned former President Trump on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”

From Los Angeles Times

These punishing, skeptical, prodding, guilt-inducing thoughts, personified with lampooning gusto, serve as the chattering chorus for his divided identity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• caricature
• mock
• parody
• satirize