noun
derision
dih-RIZH-un/dɪˈrɪʒn/
Mockery that shows contempt.
The woman's sneering laughter expresses derision toward the hurt older man.
Etymology
The combination of “down” and “laugh” expressed laughing someone to scorn. Derision therefore names laughter directed contemptuously at a target, rather than laughter as simple amusement.
In context
that people out there are much less admiring much less accommodating much less accepting than his adulating parents as the narcissist grows old he often becomes the target of constant derision and mockery
More examples
- He snorts with derision at the idea that anyone could replace him.
- The review heaps derision on the director's clumsy attempt at comedy.
- Students deserve patient guidance, not derision, when they make mistakes.
Forms
deride verb — To mock someone or something contemptuously.
derisive adjective — Showing contempt through ridicule or mockery.