English Dictionary

Definition of “ridicule

ridicule (ˈrɪdɪˌkjuːlPronunciation for ridicule

Definitions

noun

  1. language or behaviour intended to humiliate or mock; derision

verb

  1. (tr) to make fun of, mock, or deride

Alternative Forms

ˈridiˌculer noun

Word Origin

C17: from French, from Latin rīdiculus , from rīdēre to laugh

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= laugh at, mock, make fun of, make a fool of humiliate, taunt, sneer at parody, caricature, jeer at, scoff at deride, send up, lampoon, poke fun at, take the piss (out of) chaff, take the mickey out of satirize, pooh-pooh, laugh out of court make a monkey out of make someone a laughing stock laugh to scorn

Usage examples

  • Beyond the fire she saw the Jaff stepping away with a shrug of ridicule.
    Clive Barker, THE GREAT AND SECRET SHOW (2001)
  • Perhaps the greater perceived vulnerability of our young patients makes them a less acceptable object of ridicule.
    British Medical Journal (2002)
  • The handshake, in New York, has led to condemnation from Zimbabwe's main opposition party and ridicule in Britain.
    The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2004)
  • But doomed to ridicule and failure, I'm pressing on with the all-time worst Souness signings XI.
    Sun, News of the World (2002)
  • Usually these minor fears can be avoided or, better still, overcome with time and patience but without ridicule.
    Irwin, Ann, Stammering in Young Children (1988)

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