TAUNTING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does taunting mean? 

• TAUNTING (noun)
  The noun TAUNTING has 1 sense:

1. aggravation by deriding or mocking or criticizing

  Familiarity information: TAUNTING used as a noun is very rare.

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

1. abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule

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

 Dictionary entry details 

• TAUNTING (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Aggravation by deriding or mocking or criticizing

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

taunt; taunting; twit

Hypernyms ("taunting" is a kind of...):

aggravation; irritation; provocation (unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment)

Derivation:

taunt (harass with persistent criticism or carping)

• TAUNTING (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)

 Context examples 

Sometimes it involves direct attacks such as hitting, name calling, teasing or taunting.

(Bullying, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

She said it with a taunting pride in the midst of her frenzy—for it was little less—yet with an eager remembrance of it, in which the smouldering embers of a gentler feeling kindled for the moment.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)