Main Entry: ²taunt

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: perhaps from Middle French tenter to try, tempt — more at tempt

Date: 1539

: to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at

synonyms see ridicule

— taunt·er noun

— taunt·ing·ly \ˈtȯn-tiŋ-lē, ˈtän-\ adverb