v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. make the spontaneous sounds and movements usual in expressing lively amusement, scorn, derision, etc.
2 tr. express by laughing.
3 tr. bring (a person) into a certain state by laughing (laughed them into agreeing).
4 intr. (foll. by at) ridicule, make fun of (laughed at us for going).
5 intr. (be laughing) colloq. be in a fortunate or successful position.
6 intr. esp. poet. make sounds reminiscent of laughing.
--n.
1. the sound or act or manner of laughing.
2 colloq. a comical or ridiculous thing.
Phrases and idioms:
have the last laugh be ultimately the winner. laugh in a person's face show open scorn for a person. laugh off get rid of (embarrassment or humiliation) with a jest. laugh on the other side of one's face change from enjoyment or amusement to displeasure, shame, apprehension, etc. laugh out of court deprive of a hearing by ridicule. laugh up one's sleeve be secretly or inwardly amused.
Derivatives:
laugher n.
Etymology: OE hl{aelig}hhan, hliehhan f. Gmc