deride

verb

de·​ride di-ˈrīd How to pronounce deride (audio)
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 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.

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.

the other kids mocked the way he laughed

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yet Mann urged his audiences to resist the temptation to deride humanity. George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 At minimum, the show serves as an hour to deride the maps, magic walls and needles that will inevitably rule the night. Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 Polizzi also sent links to other comments by Hovde deriding clean energy mandates and tax credits. Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2024 There, the country’s de facto leader has publicly derided the opposition as elections loomed for trying to drag the country into Ukraine-like conditions. Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deride 

Word History

Etymology

Latin deridēre, from de- + ridēre to laugh

First Known Use

circa 1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deride was circa 1526

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Dictionary Entries Near deride

Cite this Entry

“Deride.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deride. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

deride

verb
de·​ride di-ˈrīd How to pronounce deride (audio)
derided; deriding
: to laugh at scornfully : make fun of
derider noun
deridingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on deride

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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