Ridiculing: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you want to make someone or something seem foolish or unworthy of respect. Ridiculing often has a harsh, dismissive tone.

• She was ridiculing his ideas in front of the whole team.
• The comedian was ridiculing the latest fashion trends.

Use when you mimic or parody someone in a way that shows scorn or derision. Mocking often has a mean-spirited or sarcastic tone.

• He kept mocking her accent, which made her feel uncomfortable.
• The kids were mocking their teacher's strict rules.

Use when you challenge or provoke someone by making hurtful remarks or gestures. Taunting is more aggressive and intended to incite anger or reaction.

• The bully was taunting the new student by calling him names.
• Fans from the rival team were taunting the players on the field.

Use when you playfully provoke or irritate someone. Teasing can be more light-hearted and friendly, but it can also be hurtful if not done with good intentions.

• He was just teasing her about her new haircut.
• They were teasing him about his crush, but he knew it was all in good fun.

Ridiculing is used when someone is making fun of another person to show they are foolish or silly. It often includes sarcasm or exaggeration.

• She was ridiculing his idea by making exaggerated facial expressions
• The comedian was ridiculing the politician's speech

Mocking is used to imitate someone in a way that makes them look silly or stupid. It can be used in a playful manner or to insult someone.

• He was mocking her accent during the party
• The students were mocking their teacher behind his back

Shaming is used to embarrass someone and make them feel guilty or inferior. It often involves a public display and has a very negative connotation.

• The leader was shaming the member for not meeting the deadline
• Online shaming has become a common issue on social media

Trolling is used to provoke or upset people on the internet by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages. It is typically done for amusement and has a negative connotation.

• He was trolling other users in the online forum
• Many celebrities have experienced trolling on their social media accounts

Used when someone is being laughed at or made fun of in a way that is hurtful or insulting. It often involves critiquing or belittling someone's ideas or actions.

• They were ridiculing his new haircut all day.
• She felt hurt because her colleagues were ridiculing her presentation.

Used when someone is imitated or copied in an exaggerated way to make them look foolish. It can be humorous but also hurtful.

• His bad singing became a subject of mockery among his friends.
• The movie was a mockery of historical events.

Implying a sense of deep contempt or disapproval, often used in more formal or literary contexts. It involves being treated with disdain or laughed at scornfully.

• Their plan was met with derision by the board.
• He cried out in derision when he heard the absurd proposal.

Highlights a stronger sense of judgment and disdain, often with a tone of superiority. It communicates a complete lack of respect.

• She looked at him with scorn when he suggested the absurd idea.
• His opinions were met with open scorn by his peers.