Main Entry: ¹tease

Pronunciation: \ˈtēz\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): teased; teas·ing

Etymology: Middle English tesen, from Old English tǣsan; akin to Old High German zeisan to tease

Date: before 12th century

1 a : to disentangle and lay parallel by combing or carding <tease wool> b : teasel
2 : to tear in pieces; especially : to shred (a tissue or specimen) for microscopic examination
3 a : to disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking especially in a petty or mischievous way b : to annoy with petty persistent requests : pester; also : to obtain by repeated coaxing c : to persuade to acquiesce especially by persistent small efforts : coax d : to manipulate or influence as if by teasing e : to make fun of : kid
4 : to comb (hair) by taking hold of a strand and pushing the short hairs toward the scalp with the comb
5 : to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it

synonyms see worry

— teas·ing·ly \ˈtē-ziŋ-lē\ adverb