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
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, adverbWord 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