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

SYNONYMS FOR taunt

2, 3 jeer. See ridicule.
3 scoff, derision, insult, censure, ridicule.

OTHER WORDS FROM taunt

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH taunt

taught taunt taut

Example sentences from the Web for taunting

British Dictionary definitions for taunting (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, adverb

Word Origin for taunt

C16: from French phrase tant pour tant like for like, rejoinder

British Dictionary definitions for taunting (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