taunt (one) about (someone or something)

To mock, ridicule, or jeer at one about someone or something. The school bullies taunted Sarah about her brother, who had a severe intellectual disability. They were taunting me about the clothes I wore to work that day.

See also: taunt

taunt (one) into (doing something)

To provoke or incite one to do something by mocking, ridiculing, or jeering at them. The school bullies taunted Sarah into pulling the fire alarm as a prank. I kind of liked my mullet, but everyone at work taunted me into getting it cut.

See also: taunt

taunt (one) with (something)

1. To tease or torment one with something they cannot or should not have; to tantalize one with something. I'm trying to stick to my diet, but my roommate keeps taunting me with all the cakes and cookies she likes to bake. I loved taunting my friends with pictures of sunny beaches while I was on vacation in the Bahamas.

2. To arouse one sexually with something, especially with no intention of engaging in sexual activity with one. I've just never understood the appeal of strip clubs. You pay to go watch women taunt you with their exposed bodies and erotic dances, and then you just leave more sexually frustrated than when you arrived. She kept lifting up her skirt to taunt me with glimpses of her thighs.

See also: taunt

taunt someone about something

to mock, tease, or torment someone about something. Stop taunting me about something that happened years ago! Terry was being taunted about his gaudy tie, so he took it off.

See also: taunt

taunt someone into something

to mock, tease, or torment someone into doing something. The gang taunted Liz into taking unnecessary chances. Don was taunted into leaving the room.

See also: taunt

taunt someone with something

to tease or tantalize someone with something. Jerry taunted Fran with the plate of fudge. Please don't taunt me with food I shouldn't eat.

See also: taunt

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References in periodicals archive

However, it's difficult to imagine that the teasing and taunting is totally harmless.

Obesity and bullying

Sorgen said that while there had been recent discussions about cutting back on taunting and unsportsmanlike penalties, the throat-slashing motion won't be tolerated.

'Control failure' blamed for fourth-quarter darkness

Booing, yelling during foul shots, and taunting from the stands are certainly not what we expect from the home fans, but let's be realistic: These things happen all of the time!

A Practical Guide to Sportsmanship

Several incidents at high school basketball games in recent weeks, including a parking lot assault after a North High School-Worcester Technical High School game, have led to increased police presence at city games and efforts by school officials to end taunting and cool tensions.

Ads OK'd for school athletic events; Committee addresses racial taunting issue

I suppose the 'Munich' chants are hard to resist when faced with taunts of 'Murderers', but does this excuse the taunting of Alan Smith after the match, or the churlish silence and sporadic booing that greeted Sir Bobby Charlton?

Football: Old Trafford shame; CARLING CUP THIRD ROUND

A DOG lover who claims her treasured pet died after constant taunting from gangs of youths says she wants to bring the case before court.

Haunted after yobs attacked her pet Rottweiler

There was no taunting of the English, just jubilation at a match well played.

Passionate support is no game

According to a study published by ABC News, 86% of teens report there is bullying and taunting at school.

Teenage terrorism. (last word)

THE distraught family of a Protestant teenager killed in north Belfast last night condemned those behind graffiti taunting them about his death.

Family agony over graffiti taunts about killed teen

THE distraught family of a teenager killed in a bicycle tragedy last night condemned sick graffiti taunting them about his death as 'pure evil'.

Dead boy's family in graffiti slur

Last season he responded to a section of Leeds fans taunting him at Old Trafford and was warned about his future conduct by the FA.

POSH TELLS BECKS TO QUIT

237) suggests that the group taunting behavior of ground squirrels against rattlesnakes, to protect their young from predation, is unusual.

Letters

Judge John Shand, at Stafford Crown Court, told Purcell: "I accept there was an element of provocation and she was taunting you about your sexual difficulties at a time when you suffered from post-natal depression.

Taunted love rival jailed for scalding

The kid was calling me names, taunting me, bragging.

Naz so childish says Eu