deride

verb

de·​ride di-ˈrīd 

dē-

derided; deriding

transitive verb

1

: to laugh at or insult contemptuously

got derided by a carnival clown

2

: to subject to usually bitter or contemptuous ridicule or criticism

politicians deriding their opponents

: to express a lack of respect or approval of

were derided as the weaker sex

derider noun

deridingly

di-ˈrī-diŋ-lē 

dē-

adverb

Did you know?

Laughter may or may not be the best medicine—your mileage may vary—but it’s essential to understanding the verb deride. To deride someone or something is not merely to criticize or insult them, but to lower them (or attempt to lower them) in others’ esteem by making them appear ridiculous or worthy of mockery. This meaning is reflected in the word’s origins: deride comes from the Latin verb deridēre, a combination of the prefix de- (“to reduce or make lower”) and ridēre, meaning “to laugh.” Ridēre echoes in other English words as well, including ridicule and ridiculous. Ridicule functions as both verb (“to make fun of”) and noun (“the act of making fun of”), while ridiculous describes what arouses or deserves ridicule or mockery. More obscure than either of these ridēre descendants is the medical term risorius, which refers to a narrow band of muscle fibers in the face that reach to the corners of the mouth to make smiling possible. One does not necessarily need one’s risorius to deride something—people in the act of deriding may appear quite angry, even—but inspiring the bitter, contemptuous laughter of those within earshot is often the goal.

Synonyms

• gibe
• jibe
• jeer
• laugh (at)
• mock
• ridicule
• scout
• shoot down
• skewer

Choose the Right Synonym for deride

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

Examples of deride in a Sentence

my brothers derided our efforts, but were forced to eat their words when we won first place

Recent Examples on the Web

It was at once vociferously praised and bashed — and became a best seller, to boot — and Mr. Carr derided his critics on Amazon. —Penelope Green, New York Times, 24 May 2024

At nearly three hours, the anthology film was divisive: Some hailed its scabrous take on human nature as brilliant, and others derided it as bloated. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 21 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin deridēre, from de- + ridēre to laugh

First Known Use

circa 1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

deride

verb

de·​ride di-ˈrīd 

derided; deriding

: to laugh at scornfully : make fun of

derider noun

deridingly

-ˈrīd-iŋ-lē 

adverb