taunt

¹

[tawnt, tahnt]

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

[tawnt, tahnt]

adjective

Nautical.

1. tall, as a mast.

taunt

¹

/ 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

/ tɔːnt /

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of taunt¹

First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain

Origin of taunt²

First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of taunt¹

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

Origin of taunt²

C15: of uncertain origin

Synonym Study

See ridicule.

Example Sentences

The 21-year-old had been caught on video "taunting" officers by running a large stick along their shields and throwing missiles, including stones, at the police line.

From BBC

"Where is my new car, Land Rover," the hackers - who are thought to be teens - posted to taunt the company.

From BBC

The BBC has in the past reported incidents of suicides by women who were taunted by their husbands over their "dark complexion".

From BBC

But this isn’t a dirge — it’s a fight song and a taunt, and it sets the tone of comfortable, mischievous defiance that threads through the entire album.

From Salon

That came from the other team’s fans, who filled the Pasadena night with the taunting chant of, “Let’s Go Utah.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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