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: teasel2: to tear in pieces ; especially : to shred (a tissue or specimen) for microscopic examination3 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 : kid4: to comb (hair) by taking hold of a strand and pushing the short hairs toward the scalp with the comb5: to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it

synonyms see worry

— teas·ing·ly \ˈtē-ziŋ-lē\ adverb