/ snɪə(r); NAmE snɪr/ verb , noun
■ verb
sneer (at sb/sth) to show that you have no respect for sb by the expression on your face or by the way you speak
SYN mock :
[ v ]
He sneered at people who liked pop music.
a sneering comment
[ v speech ]
'You? A writer?' she sneered.
► sneer·ing·ly / ˈsnɪərɪŋli; NAmE ˈsnɪr-/ adverb
■ noun
[ usually sing. ] an unpleasant look, smile or comment that shows you do not respect sb/sth :
A faint sneer of satisfaction crossed her face.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : probably of imitative origin.