ridicule

[ˈrɪdɪkjuːl]

ridicule Definition

• 1. the act of making fun of someone or something in a cruel or mocking way
• 2. speech 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

Synonyms for ridicule

• mockery
• derision
• taunting
• teasing
• sarcasm

Antonyms for ridicule

• praise
• commendation

Idioms Using ridicule

• make a mockery of

  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.

• take the mickey out of

  to make fun of someone or something in a light-hearted way

  Example

  He took the mickey out of his friend's new haircut.

• poke fun at

  to make fun of someone or something in a playful or teasing way

  Example

  The comedian poked fun at the absurdity of modern life.

Phrases with ridicule

• hold up to ridicule

  to make someone or something the subject of mockery or derision

  Example

  The new policy was held up to ridicule by the media.

• subject to ridicule

  to make someone or something the target of mockery or derision

  Example

  The company's new product was subject to ridicule by consumers.

• laughing stock

  a person or thing that is the object of ridicule or scorn

  Example

  After his embarrassing performance, he became the laughing stock of the office.

Origins of ridicule

from French 'ridicule', from Latin 'ridiculus', meaning 'laughable'

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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.