verb / noun
tease
To make fun of someone playfully or unkindly.
The siblings tease each other about their matching hats.
Etymology
The physical action of repeatedly pulling at fibers became a metaphor for provoking someone. Teasing can therefore range from playful remarks to hurtful ridicule.
More examples
- He teased me for arriving early.
- She disliked being the target of their tease.
- They were only teasing, but the joke hurt.
Forms
tease · teases · teased · teasing
Similar words
- taunt
- Provoke or hurt with remarks.
- joke with
- Interact playfully without necessarily mocking.