We want a civilised atmosphere where people can discuss the stories of the day without fear of ridicule or trolling.

Shame and fear of ridicule keep her largely confined to the house.

Sadly, many of the increasing number of people who use herbal remedies are reluctant to tell their doctors because of fear of ridicule or criticism.

It's a nice idea, but it's also easy to see its limitations: fear of ridicule for the insecure shopper, high risk of irritation for the discerning one.

More often they are not made at all for fear of ridicule, rebuff and career damage.

He was seen largely as an eccentric, extremist misfit; a figure of ridicule rather than a serious politician.

Slowly, though, she becomes a figure of ridicule and realises that, to conform, she must find a husband.

She became a figure of ridicule among her neighbors as she carried out her service to the poor of the region.

Because of this, he was a major figure of ridicule at the institute where he was taught.

She achieves the difficult task of making a figure of ridicule into a person who evokes sympathy from the listener.

But the police officers, who risk ridicule if they are found to be wrong, appear to remain convinced of their case.

And the guilty risk ridicule in the court of public opinion.

But he risked ridicule after conceding he had yet to switch to an electric car, or put solar panels on his roof.

But some operators, despite risking ridicule by more adventurous sorts, have adopted a more staid approach.

Many a politician has risked ridicule by turning up on the popular castaway programme with a poorly considered list that seems to have been selected by spin doctors.