Mocking: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is imitating or making fun of another in a mean or disrespectful way.

• His mocking tone hurt her feelings.
• They were making mocking imitations of his accent.

Used when someone is making fun of another to humiliate or show disdain. Often suggests a more public or harsh setting.

• She was ridiculed in front of the entire class.
• He couldn't bear the ridicule from his peers.

Used when someone is provoking or challenging another person with insulting remarks, often to incite a reaction.

• He taunted his opponent before the match.
• They taunted her relentlessly about her mistake.

Often used to describe shouting or laughing at someone in a way that shows a lack of respect, typically in a group setting.

• The audience began to jeer at the politician.
• They jeered at the opposing team after the game.

Typically used in more formal or intellectual contexts to express that someone is treating others with contempt or scorn. This has a strong negative connotation.

• The critics derided the movie as a waste of time.
• She derided his attempts as foolish.

This word is used when making fun of someone in a disrespectful or contemptuous way. It often implies sarcasm.

• She spoke in a mocking tone, imitating his voice

This word is used when someone is being made fun of in a way that shows a lack of respect for them. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.

• He faced ridicule from his colleagues after the presentation

This is used when someone is provoking or challenging another person in a mean or teasing manner, usually with the intent to upset or anger them.

• The bully kept taunting the new kid with cruel jokes

Jeering describes loud, rude, and mocking remarks usually made in a public setting, often by a crowd.

• The player was jeered by the opposing fans every time he touched the ball

This term is used to express deep contempt combined with mockery, often involving laughter. It's more formal and severe than simple mocking.

• Her ideas were met with derision by the board members