deride
UK: dɪˈraɪd | US: dɪˈraɪd
vt. to ridicule or mock someone or something scornfully
vt. to express contempt or disdain through laughter or scorn
deride = de<down, away> + ride<laugh>
- de (prefix): From Latin de-, meaning "down, away," often implying negation or reversal.
- ride (root): From Latin ridēre, meaning "to laugh."
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin deridēre ("to laugh down, mock"), combining de- (emphasizing scorn) and ridēre ("to laugh"). The word evolved in Middle English via Old French derider, retaining its core sense of mocking laughter. The prefix de- intensifies the act of laughing at someone, conveying disdain.
Critics derided the proposal as impractical and naive.
She derided his attempts to impress her with exaggerated stories.
The audience derided the performer’s clumsy mistakes.
Politicians often deride their opponents’ policies during debates.
His peers derided him for his outdated fashion choices.