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. 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. laugher n.
[ OE hlhhan, hliehhan f. Gmc ]