tease

/ˈtēz/

Middle English tesen, from Old English tǣsan; akin to Old High German zeisan to tease

verb

  1. to make fun of : kid

  2. to disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking especially in a petty or mischievous way

  3. to annoy with petty persistent requests : pester; also : to obtain by repeated coaxing

worry annoy harass harry plague pester tease mean to disturb or irritate by persistent acts. worry implies an incessant goading or attacking that drives one to desperation. annoy implies disturbing one's composure or peace of mind by intrusion, interference, or petty attacks.

noun

  1. the act of teasing : the state of being teased

  2. one that teases

verb

  1. to obtain by or as if by disentangling or freeing with a pointed instrument

  2. unravel