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Meaning of taunt
The primary meaning of the word "taunt" is to provoke or annoy someone with insults or mockery.
Etymology of taunt
The word "taunt" originated in the mid-16th century, from the Old French word "tanter", which means "to insult" or "to provoke"
The Old French word "tanter" is derived from the Latin word "tentare", which means "to try" or "to tempt"
Historically, the word "taunt" was used to describe a remark or action intended to provoke or annoy someone, often in a playful or contemptuous manner
Synonyms
tease
mock
ridicule
scorn
jeer
sneer
insult
affront
provoke
goad
annoy
irritate
vex
harass
badger
pester
plague
torment
bedevil
taunt
bait
twit
jibe
gibe
sneer
flout
deride
disdain
contempt
disdainful
scornful
mocking
jeering
teasing
provoking
harassing
pestering
tormenting
vexing
irritating
annoying
provocation
ridicule
mockery
scorn
disdain
contempt
insult
offense
affront
umbrage
indignity
outrage
irritation
annoyance
vexation
harassment
badgering
pestering
plaguing
torment
tease
twit
jibe
gibe
flout
deride
mock
ridicule
scorn
jeer
sneer
insult
annoy
irritate
vex
harass
badger
pester
plague
torment
bedevil
Definitions
- A remark made to provoke or annoy someone, typically in a playful or contemptuous manner
- To provoke or annoy someone with insults or mockery, typically in a playful or contemptuous manner
Usage Examples
- The bully would often taunt the weaker kids in the schoolyard with cruel insults
- The fans began to taunt the referee with jeers and catcalls after the disputed call
- The politician's opponent tried to taunt her with questions about her past record, but she remained calm and composed
Antonyms
praise
compliment
flatter
applaud
cheer
encourage
support
uplift
comfort
soothe
calm
placate
appease
mollify
pacify
conciliate
reconcile
please
delight
gratify
satisfy
amuse
entertain
divert
distract
please
charm
fascinate
captivate
enthrall
beguile
disarm
reassure
hearten
solace
console
alleviate
mitigate
assuage
allay
abate
reduce
diminish
minimize
extenuate
palliate
excuse
justify
vindicate
exonerate
acquit