taunt

¹ American  

[tawnt, tahnt] / tɔnt, tɑnt /

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 American  

[tawnt, tahnt] / tɔnt, tɑnt /

adjective

Nautical.

1. tall, as a mast.

---

taunt ¹ British  

/ 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 British  

/ tɔːnt /

adjective

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

---

Related Words

See ridicule.

Other Word Forms

• taunter noun
• taunting adjective
• tauntingly adverb
• untaunted adjective

Etymology

Origin of taunt¹

First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain

Origin of taunt²

First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain

Related Words

• barb
• derision
• gibe
• insult
• jab
• jeer
• put down
• ridicule