Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

taunt

 - 5 dictionary results

taunt

1  [tawnt, tahnt]
Use taunt in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.
2. to provoke by taunts; twit.
–noun
3. an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.
4. Obsolete. an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.
Origin:
1505–15; orig. uncert.

Related forms:
taunter, noun
taunt⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. censure, upbraid, flout, insult. 2, 3. jeer. See ridicule. 3. scoff, derision, insult, censure, ridicule.

taunt

2  [tawnt, tahnt]
–adjective Nautical.
tall, as a mast.
Origin:
1490–1500; orig. uncert.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To taunt
taunt 1   (tônt)   
tr.v.   taunt·ed, taunt·ing, taunts

  1. To reproach in a mocking, insulting, or contemptuous manner. See Synonyms at ridicule.

  2. To drive or incite (a person) by taunting.

n.  A scornful remark or tirade; a jeer.

[Origin unknown.]
taunt'er n., taunt'ing·ly adv.
taunt 2   (tônt)   
adj.   Nautical
Unusually tall. Used of masts.

[Origin unknown.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

taunt  (v.)
1515, possibly from M.Fr. tanter, tenter "to tempt, try, provoke," variant of tempter "to try" (see tempt). Or from M.Fr. tant pour tant "so much for so much, tit for tat," on notion of "sarcastic rejoinder." The noun is attested from 1529.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see taunt on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way