Taunt: meaning, definitions and examples

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taunt

[ tɔːnt ]

^{Context #1}

in a negative way

To taunt means to provoke or insult someone with the intention of making them feel angry or upset. It involves teasing, mocking, or ridiculing someone in a way that is meant to be hurtful.

Synonyms

mock, provoke, ridicule, tease

Examples of usage

Stop taunting your little brother; it's not nice.
The bullies continued to taunt the new student, making her feel unwelcome.
He would constantly taunt his opponent during the game, trying to throw them off their game.
The online trolls enjoyed taunting people in the comments section.
She felt hurt by the constant taunting from her classmates.

^{Context #2}

in a negative way

A taunt is a remark or action that is intended to provoke or insult someone, typically in a mocking or hurtful way.

Synonyms

insult, jeer, mockery, provocation

Examples of usage

His taunts only fueled her determination to succeed.
The taunts from the opposing team's fans were harsh and relentless.
She tried to ignore the taunts directed at her, but they still stung.
The constant taunts at school made him dread going to class.
The taunt was meant to belittle her achievements.

Translations

Translations of the word "taunt" in other languages:

🇵🇹 provocação

🇮🇳 ताने मारना

🇩🇪 Stichelei

🇮🇩 ejekan

🇺🇦 дражнити

🇵🇱 drwina

🇯🇵 嘲る (あざける)

🇫🇷 moquerie

🇪🇸 burla

🇹🇷 alay

🇰🇷 조롱

🇸🇦 سخرية

🇨🇿 posměch

🇸🇰 posmech

🇨🇳 嘲笑 (cháoxiào)

🇸🇮 zasmehovanje

🇮🇸 háðsáde

🇰🇿 мысқылдау

🇬🇪 განცდილი

🇦🇿 lağ

🇲🇽 burla

Word origin

The word 'taunt' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'tenter', meaning 'to provoke'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of mocking or insulting someone. The concept of taunting has been present throughout history, often used in conflicts, competitions, or interpersonal disputes. Taunting behavior is typically seen as negative and can lead to emotional distress or escalation of tensions.

See also: taunter, taunting, tauntingly.