Bemock

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To make fun of or ridicule someone or something by means of sarcastic or contemptuous remarks or actions; to subject to scornful imitation or derision; to treat with disrespect through mockery
2. To express contempt or derision towards a person or idea by means of jeering or sarcastic mimicry; to mock or make a subject of ridicule; to lampoon in a scornful manner
3. To taunt or deride through biting satire or sarcastic references; to expose to public scorn by exaggerated imitation; to treat with disdainful mockery or scorn

Etymology: The verb "bemock" is built from the prefix "be-" added to "mock," and its history is as plain as its construction. The prefix "be-" was once a productive way in English to make transitive verbs, often with the sense of acting upon something thoroughly or in a particular way, and "mock" (to ridicule or deride) was a natural base for it. Together they give a sense of mocking someone or something to their face or at their expense. The "be-" prefix is the old Germanic element that English inherited from Old English, where it gave verbs such as "bemoan" and "besprinkle." "Mock" itself has an older and more contested story, and the combined form inherits its meaning directly from that base rather than carrying any separate history of its own.

Synonyms: mock, ridicule, deride, taunt, jeer

Antonyms: praise, compliment, admire, respect, commend