ridicule

play

noun rid·i·cule \ˈri-də-ˌkyül\

Simple Definition of ridicule

: the act of making fun of someone or something in a cruel or harsh way : harsh comments made by people who are laughing at someone or something

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of ridicule

: the act of ridiculing : derision, mockery

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See ridicule defined for kids

Examples of ridicule in a sentence

She didn't show anyone her artwork for fear of ridicule.
<the early efforts by the suffragists to obtain voting rights for women were met with ridicule>

Origin and Etymology of ridicule

French or Latin; French, from Latin ridiculum jest

First Known Use: 1690

ridicule

verb rid·i·cule

Simple Definition of ridicule

: to laugh at and make jokes about (someone or something) in a cruel or harsh way : to make fun of (someone or something)

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of ridicule

ridiculed

ridiculing

transitive verb
: to make fun of

ridiculer

noun

See ridicule defined for English-language learners

Examples of ridicule in a sentence

The other kids ridiculed him for the way he dressed.
They ridiculed all of her suggestions.

Circa 1700

First Known Use of ridicule

circa 1700

Synonym Discussion of ridicule

ridicule, deride, mock, taunt mean to make an object of laughter of. ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling <consistently ridiculed everything she said>. deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule <derided their efforts to start their own business>. mock implies scorn often ironically expressed as by mimicry or sham deference <youngsters began to mock the helpless wino>. taunt suggests jeeringly provoking insult or challenge <hometown fans taunted the visiting team>.