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taunt

/tɔnt/
/tɔnt/
IPA guide

Other forms: taunts; taunted; taunting

A short list of people not to taunt: your big brother, nightclub bouncers, evil wizards. Taunts are insulting comments, and, unless you are a really, really fast runner, keep them to yourself.

Taunting is often associated with large groups picking on an individual. A mob might call out a hated king from his castle with taunts and jeers. Bullying can also take the form of taunting — something that teachers, administrators, parents, and students are working together to stop.

Definitions of taunt
  1. verb
    harass with persistent criticism or carping
    see moresee less
    types:
    barrack, flout, gibe, jeer, scoff
    laugh at with contempt and derision
    banter, chaff, jolly, josh, kid
    be silly or tease one another
    type of:
    bemock, mock
    treat with contempt
  2. noun
    aggravation by deriding or mocking or criticizing
    synonyms: taunting, twit
    see moresee less
    type of:
    aggravation, irritation, provocation
    unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment
Pronunciation
US
/tɔnt/
UK
/tɔnt/
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