LAUGH

I. verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hliehhan; akin to Old High German lachēn to ~ Date: before 12th century intransitive verb 1. to show emotion (as mirth, joy, or scorn) with a chuckle or explosive vocal sound, to find amusement or pleasure in something , to become amused or derisive , 2. to produce the sound or appearance of ~ter , to be of a kind that inspires joy, transitive verb to influence or move by ~ter , to utter with a ~, ~ingly adverb II. noun Date: 1690 the act of ~ing, 2. a cause for derision or merriment ; joke , an expression of scorn or mockery ; jeer , diversion , sport