ridicule Definition
- 1the act of making fun of someone or something in a cruel or mocking way
- 2speech or behavior intended to make someone or something seem stupid or ridiculous
Using ridicule: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ridicule" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The comedian's jokes were met with ridicule from the audience.
Example
She was subjected to ridicule by her classmates for her unusual clothing.
Example
The politician's proposal was met with ridicule from the opposition party.
Example
He felt a sense of shame and ridicule after his mistake was exposed.
ridicule Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using ridicule
to treat something seriously in a way that shows no respect for it, often by making it appear ridiculous
Example
The company's lack of response made a mockery of their commitment to customer service.
Example
He took the mickey out of his friend's new haircut.
Example
The comedian poked fun at the absurdity of modern life.
Phrases with ridicule
Example
The new policy was held up to ridicule by the media.
Example
The company's new product was subject to ridicule by consumers.
Example
After his embarrassing performance, he became the laughing stock of the office.
Origins of ridicule
from French 'ridicule', from Latin 'ridiculus', meaning 'laughable'
Summary: ridicule in Brief
The term 'ridicule' [ˈrɪdɪkjuːl] refers to the act of mocking or making fun of someone or something in a cruel or disrespectful way. It can be expressed through speech or behavior and often aims to make someone or something appear stupid or ridiculous. Examples include being subjected to ridicule by classmates or feeling a sense of shame and ridicule after a mistake is exposed. Idioms like 'make a mockery of' and 'take the mickey out of' are also used to describe this behavior.