derision
/dɪˈrɪʒ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
Contemptuous ridicule or mockery: my stories were greeted with derision and disbelief...
- Contempt and derision were now poured not upon the heretical supporters of change, but upon their orthodox opponents.
- Serious debate is not welcome in the mainstream; dissent is treated with derision and contempt, or ignored.
- The name itself connotes derision and contempt for the inhabitants of the compound.
Synonyms
mockery, ridicule, jeering, jeers, sneers, scoffing, jibing, taunts;
disdain, disparagement, denigration, disrespect, pooh-poohing;
sneering, scorn, scornfulness, taunting, insults;
contempt, vilification, obloquy;
lampooning, satire;
ragging, teasing, chaffing, raillery
archaic contumely
Phrases
hold (or have) in derision
Derivatives
derisible
- I arrived at the Exam Schools this morning to find that all lectures had been cancelled because of a derisible sit-in protest.
- Workers can passionately complain about some derisible human specimen, only to be seen joking heartily with them seconds later.
- Fines as set are often derisible for motoring infringements.
Origin
Late Middle English: via Old French from late Latin derisio(n-), from deridere 'scoff at'.