Meaning & use

derision

noun·Advanced

Contemptuous ridicule or mockery directed at someone or something considered foolish or worthless.

See it in a sentence

His outdated theory was met with derision from the rest of the scientific community.

The crowd's derision grew louder as the politician stumbled over his own promises.

A note on using this word

The set phrase 'an object of derision' describes someone widely mocked; the related adjective is 'derisive', as in a derisive laugh.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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