taunt

/ˈtȯnt/

perhaps from Middle French tenter to try, tempt

verb

  1. to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner : jeer, at

ridicule deride mock taunt mean to make an object of laughter of. ridicule implies a deliberate often malicious belittling. deride suggests contemptuous and often bitter ridicule.

noun

  1. a sarcastic challenge or insult