derision

/dɪˈrɪʒən/
mockery or ridicule

The comedian's jokes drew derision from the audience.

The audience reacted with mockery or ridicule to the comedian's jokes.


formalinformal

Contemptuous ridicule or mockery, often expressed through sarcasm or scorn.

His speech was met with derision from the critics.

The critics responded with contemptuous ridicule.

She laughed in derision at his ridiculous claim.

She mocked his claim with scornful laughter.

Derision is often used to describe a strong, dismissive reaction to something perceived as foolish or unworthy.

Collocations

draw derisionto provoke mockerylaugh in derisionto mock with scornful laughtermet with derisionto be greeted with ridicule

Pro Tip

Usage Context

Derision is typically used to describe a strong, dismissive reaction, often in formal or literary contexts.

Word Origin

From Middle French 'derision', from Latin 'derisio', meaning 'laughter, mockery', from 'deridere' (to ridicule).

Usage Notes

Derision is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe strong, negative reactions. It can be expressed through words, laughter, or gestures.

Word Breakdown

deride
to ridicule or mock
root
+
-sion
the act of
suffix
English Dictionary