Mock

Part of speech: verb, noun, adjective

Pronunciation: /mɒk/

Definitions

1. to imitate someone or something in an amusing or contemptuous way, or to ridicule and make fun of them
2. to mimic or simulate with a sense of derision or humor, while also expressing scorn or contempt towards the subject
3. to imitate or simulate someone or something in a way that conveys humor or disdain, often for the purpose of ridicule or criticism

Etymology: The verb "mock" reached English in Middle English as "mokken," borrowed from Old French "mocquer" meaning "to deride" or "jeer." The Old French form likely came from Middle Dutch "mocken" or Middle Low German "mucken," and the surprise is that these meant "to mumble" or "to grumble," not "to ridicule." The sense of mocking someone emerged from the notion of muttering under one's breath, the way a person sulks or grumbles at another's expense. Behind those Germanic verbs lies a reconstructed Proto-Germanic root, *mukkijaną, meaning "to low, bellow, shout," with an ultimate Proto-Indo-European source imitating a low, murmuring sound. The sound-imitative origin is why so many cognates in related languages involve sulking, muttering, or stubbornly silent grumbling. Dutch "mokken" still means "to sulk," and German "mucksen" means "to utter a word" or "to mumble," usually in a negative sentence.

Synonyms: ridicule, taunt, jeer, deride, scoff

Antonyms: praise, compliment, admire, support, encourage