noun / verb

jeer

JEER/dʒɪr/

A rude remark or sound made to mock someone.

The woman's mocking jeer interrupts the guitarist and leaves him looking hurt.

A woman in a small performance audience leans toward an older guitarist, cupping one hand beside her open mouth as she calls out mockingly and pointing directly at him with the other.

Etymology

Jeer is recorded in English meaning “deride, mock,” but its origin is uncertain. Suggested connections to words for crying out, vexing, or cheering remain unproved.

In context

Deschutes Public Library22:09

lined the streets to boo and jeer them and spit on them as they were marched off to jail

A Novel Idea: Literature, History & Memory in 20th-Century Ireland

More examples

The referee ignores the fans' jeers.
Some spectators jeer at the visiting team.
The audience jeered when the singer forgot the words.

Forms

jeer · jeers · jeered · jeering

Similar words

taunt: Often aims to provoke anger rather than simply express mockery.
sneer: Emphasizes scorn and may involve a facial expression.
boo: Expresses disapproval through a particular shout rather than mocking words.