noun / verb

taunt

TAWNT/tɔːnt/

An insulting remark meant to mock or provoke someone, or the act of making one.

The older man taunts his opponent with an exaggerated mock-crying performance.

Across a checkers table, an older man directs a conspicuous mock-crying performance at his irritated opponent: he points at her while rubbing beneath one eye with his other fist, exaggerating a pout around an open, sneering mouth.

Etymology

The earliest recorded meaning was a mocking reply, followed by sarcastic reproach. Its origin is uncertain; French tant pour tant, “tit for tat,” is considered the likeliest suggestion, fitting the idea of answering back.

In context

ANU TV38:50

there's a song of protest um in Pakistan cities which purport to taunt the world's superpower for sending robots to do a man's job

Predators, Reapers and post-heroic war - Professor Christian Enemark

More examples

Fans taunt the opposing players as they leave the court.
She refused to answer his taunts about her accent.
They taunted him by calling him a coward.

Forms

taunt · taunts · taunted · taunting

taunter noun — Someone who mocks or provokes with insults.

Similar words

insult: An insult offends or demeans without necessarily inviting a reaction.
mock: Mocking can ridicule someone without trying to provoke a reaction.
jeer: A jeer expresses open contempt, often shouted by a crowd.