taunt
1
[ tawnt, tahnt ]
/ tɔnt, tɑnt /
verb (used with object)
to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.
to provoke by taunts; twit.
noun
an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.
Obsolete.
an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.
Origin of taunt
1
First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain
OTHER WORDS FROM taunt
Words nearby taunt
tauchnitz,
taught,
tauhinu,
tauhou,
tauiwi,
taunt,
taunton,
taunton deane,
taunus mountains,
tauon,
taupata
Definition for taunt (2 of 2)
taunt
2
[ tawnt, tahnt ]
/ tɔnt, tɑnt /
adjective Nautical.
tall, as a mast.
Origin of taunt
2
First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain
Example sentences from the Web for taunt
British Dictionary definitions for taunt (1 of 2)
taunt
1
/ (tɔːnt) /
verb (tr)
to provoke or deride with mockery, contempt, or criticism
to tease; tantalize
noun
a jeering remark
archaic
the object of mockery
Derived forms of taunt
taunter, noun taunting, adjective tauntingly, adverbWord Origin for taunt
C16: from French phrase
tant pour tant like for like, rejoinder
British Dictionary definitions for taunt (2 of 2)
taunt
2
/ (tɔːnt) /
adjective
nautical
(of the mast or masts of a sailing vessel) unusually tall
Word Origin for taunt
C15: of uncertain origin