taunt

1
[ tawnt, tahnt ]
See synonyms for: taunttauntedtaunting on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.

  2. to provoke by taunts; twit.

noun
  1. an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.

  2. Obsolete. an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.

Origin of taunt

1
First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain

synonym study For taunt

2, 3. See ridicule.

Other words for taunt

Other words from taunt

  • taunt·er, noun
  • un·taunt·ed, adjective

Words that may be confused with taunt

Words Nearby taunt

Other definitions for taunt (2 of 2)

taunt2
[ tawnt, tahnt ]

adjectiveNautical.
  1. tall, as a mast.

Origin of taunt

2
First recorded in 1490–1500; origin uncertain

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use taunt in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for taunt (1 of 2)

taunt1

/ (tɔːnt) /


verb(tr)
  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

Origin of taunt

1
C16: from French phrase tant pour tant like for like, rejoinder

Derived forms of taunt

  • taunter, noun
  • taunting, adjective
  • tauntingly, adverb

British Dictionary definitions for taunt (2 of 2)

taunt2

/ (tɔːnt) /


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

Origin of taunt

2
C15: of uncertain origin

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