DERISIVE

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does derisive mean? 

• DERISIVE (adjective)
  The adjective DERISIVE has 1 sense:

1. abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule

  Familiarity information: DERISIVE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DERISIVE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule

Synonyms:

derisive; gibelike; jeering; mocking; taunting

Context example:

taunting shouts of 'coward' and 'sissy'

Similar:

disrespectful (exhibiting lack of respect; rude and discourteous)

Derivation:

deride (treat or speak of with contempt)

 Context examples 

Saying this, with a jerk of his body, which might have been either propitiatory or derisive, he fell into step beside me.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

We looked at each other in a bewildered silence, which was broken by a discordant burst of derisive laughter from Professor Summerlee.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The company laughed again, and encouraged the old man by half-derisive and half-affectionate cries.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

John Brooke laughed then as he never dared to laugh afterward, and the derisive Scott smiled involuntarily as he heard the hearty peal, which put the finishing stroke to poor Meg's woe.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Our men, clustering amidships, waved their hats and raised a derisive cheer.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Summerlee burst into derisive laughter "A pter-fiddlestick!" said he.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)