ridicule

/ˈrɪdɪkjuːl/
mockery or contemptuous humor

The comedian's jokes were met with ridicule from the audience.

The audience reacted with mockery and contempt to the comedian's jokes.


general

Mockery or contemptuous humor directed at someone or something.

She faced ridicule for her unconventional fashion choices.

People mocked and showed contempt for her unusual style.

Often used to describe public or social mockery.

general

To mock or make fun of someone or something in a contemptuous way.

The critics ridiculed the actor's performance.

The critics mocked and showed contempt for the actor's acting.

Used as a verb to describe the act of mocking.

Collocations

subject to ridiculeto be mocked or laughed atopen to ridiculevulnerable to being mocked

Related Phrases

laughing stockphrase
a person or thing that is ridiculed
ridiculousadjective
deserving of ridicule

Pro Tip

Usage as a verb

When used as a verb, 'ridicule' means to mock or make fun of someone or something in a contemptuous way.

Gold Rule

Context matters

Ridicule often implies public or social mockery, so it's important to consider the context when using the word.

Word Origin

From Middle French 'ridicule', from Latin 'ridiculum' (laughable), from 'ridere' (to laugh).

Usage Notes

Can be used as both a noun and a verb. Often implies public or social mockery.

Word Breakdown

rid
to laugh
root
+
-icule
small or diminutive
suffix
English Dictionary