deride | derision | derisive

Exam frequency

Banks

medium

Civil Services

low

GRE

low

Meaning(s)

mock or treat with contempt

Check Icon How to Memorize

deride - insult

Check Icon Analysis

If you ‘deride’ somebody or something, you insult them with a remark, or make a joke of them. It is considered quite cruel and causes great offence as it implies a total lack of respect or consideration. Such ridicule is unlikely to be received positively in either a professional or social context.

ExamsSpokenOther
Synonyms ridicule,scorn,scoff
Antonyms compliment,revere

Check Icon Example(s)

  1. The politician was quick to deride his opponent when news of the scandal broke.

  2. I accept that my suggestion wasn’t the best, but it didn’t deserve the derision it got. I thought that was cruel.

  3. Chris is a bully. He often makes derisive remarks to other members of staff.

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