I. ˈtȯnt, ˈtänt, ˈtȧnt verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: from obsolete English taunt to tease, perhaps from Middle French tenter, tanter to try, tempt — more at tempt
transitive verb
1.
a. : to reproach in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer at : upbraid
at last he taunted me beyond endurance — G.B.Shaw
took no part in the revivals and usually teased and taunted those who did — J.M.Hunt
b. obsolete : to make the subject of censure or reproach : cast in one's teeth
taunt my faults — Shakespeare
2. : to drive or accomplish by taunting : provoke
taunted him into losing his temper
intransitive verb
: to utter taunts
taunt away — Robert Browning
Synonyms: see ridicule
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a bitter or sarcastic reproach, insult, or challenge
calmly ignored the taunts of his enemy
2. archaic : one who is taunted : an object of scornful reproach
will make them … a reproach, a byword, a taunt , and a curse — Jer 24:9 (Revised Standard Version)
III. adjective
Etymology: origin unknown
: very tall — used especially of the masts of a ship