taunt

verb
UK: /tɔːnt/
US: /tɑːnt/

  1. To try to make someone angry or upset by saying unkind things to them.

    1. They taunt him because he is short.
    2. The kids relentlessly taunt the new student, making the school environment hostile.

  2. To mock or provoke with persistent insults or sarcastic remarks.

    1. Don't taunt me; I'm already upset.
    2. The bullies used to taunt him mercilessly, exacerbating his feelings of insecurity.

Synonyms

tease mock jeer insult gibe ridicule
taunt noun

  1. A remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone.

    1. His taunt made her cry.
    2. Ignoring their taunt proved to be the most effective way to diffuse the situation.

  2. An act of mocking or insulting someone.

    1. The taunt was cruel and unfair.
    2. She responded to the taunt with admirable restraint, refusing to be drawn into an argument.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "taunt" in English means: To try to make someone angry or upset by saying unkind things to them., To mock or provoke with persistent insults or sarcastic remarks..

The phonetic transcription of "taunt" is /tɔːnt/ in British English and /tɑːnt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "taunt": tease, mock, jeer, insult, gibe, ridicule.

Example usage of "taunt": "They taunt him because he is short.". More examples on the page.