n.
Pronunciation: ' t ē z
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: teased ; teas · ing
Etymology: Middle English tesen, from Old English t ǣ san; akin to Old High German zeisan to tease
Date: before 12th century
1 a : to disentangle and lay parallel by combing or carding < tease wool> b : TEASEL
2 : to tear in pieces especially : to shred (a tissue or specimen) for microscopic examination
3 a : to disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking especially in a petty or mischievous way b : to annoy with petty persistent requests : PESTER also : to obtain by repeated coaxing c : to persuade to acquiesce especially by persistent small efforts : COAX d : to manipulate or influence as if by teasing e : to make fun of : KID
4 : to comb (hair) by taking hold of a strand and pushing the short hairs toward the scalp with the comb
5 : to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it
synonyms see WORRY
– teas · ing · ly \ ' t ē -zi ŋ -l ē \ adverb