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Taunted: meaning, definitions and examples

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taunted

 

[ tɔːntɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

mocking someone

To taunt someone means to provoke or challenge them with insulting remarks. This often involves making fun of the person, highlighting their weaknesses or failures in a humiliating way. Taunting can occur in various contexts, including bullying, competitive sports, or even playfully among friends. The intention behind taunting is usually to elicit a strong emotional reaction, such as anger or frustration, from the target. In some cases, taunting can escalate into more serious forms of harassment or conflict.

Synonyms

jeered, mocked, ridiculed, scorned

Examples of usage

  • The crowd taunted the opposing team during the game.
  • She felt hurt when her classmates taunted her about her clothes.
  • He taunted his friend about losing the race.
  • The bullies often taunted the new kid at school.

Translations

Translations of the word "taunted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 provocado

🇮🇳 उलाहना दिया

🇩🇪 verspottet

🇮🇩 diejek

🇺🇦 насміхався

🇵🇱 wyśmiewany

🇯🇵 嘲笑された

🇫🇷 moqué

🇪🇸 burlado

🇹🇷 alay edildi

🇰🇷 조롱당한

🇸🇦 سخر منه

🇨🇿 vysmíván

🇸🇰 posmievaný

🇨🇳 嘲笑

🇸🇮 izžaljen

🇮🇸 háð

🇰🇿 мазаққа ұшырады

🇬🇪 ხუმრობდა

🇦🇿 lağ edildi

🇲🇽 burlado

Etymology

The word 'taunt' originates from the late Middle English 'taunten', which in turn comes from the Old French 'tanter', meaning to test or to provoke. The use of 'taunt' evolved over time, becoming associated specifically with mocking or insulting someone. This reflects a shift in usage, emphasizing an element of derision or scorn rather than mere challenge. The root of the word is linked to the Latin 'tentare', which means 'to touch, feel, try'—suggesting that taunting involves a probing or testing action, often by way of ridicule. Its usage in literature has been recorded as far back as the 14th century, showcasing how the concept of taunting has been a part of human interaction for centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,625, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.