derision

noun

de·​ri·​sion di-ˈri-zhən How to pronounce derision (audio)
1
a
: the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt
b
: a state of being laughed at or ridiculed : a state of being derided
2
: an object of ridicule or scorn

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Where does derision come from?

Derision shares part of its origin with the words ridiculous and risible; all may be traced to the Latin verb ridēre (“to laugh”). From the time derision entered the English language in the 14th century, it has suggested laughter, albeit of a mocking or scornful variety. It may also be used to indicate an object of scornful laughter—that is, a laughingstock—as in the line from Lamentations 3:14 of the King James Version of the bible: “I was a derision to all my people.”

Examples of derision in a Sentence

My remarks were anodyne, but some other snippets of marginalia were shrieks of derision Paul Theroux, Granta 44, Summer 1993
Britain had its boffins, working researchers subject to the derision of intellectual gentlemen. James Gleick, Genius: The Life & Science of Richard Feynman, 1992
… discussion, laughter, lecturing, but no shouts or threats, no yardsticks banging for silence, no words of shame or derision. Lorene Cary, Black Ice, 1991
The whole idea of Camelot excites derision. In fact, I am sure Kennedy would have derided it himself. No one at the time ever thought of his Washington as Camelot. Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., The Cycles of American History, 1986
One of the students laughed in derision at my error. The team's awful record has made it an object of derision in the league. “Nerd” is a term of derision.
Recent Examples on the Web Blood and Honey was met with universal derision but was a hit by Hollywood standards, grossing $5 million worldwide against its $100,000 budget, and inspiring, naturally, a sequel. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024 In it, Saint Sambo transforms from an object of derision to a true savior of his people. Robert Ito, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2024 Despite widespread derision, Dolezal did not shed her assumed identity after her actual heritage was revealed. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2024 The objects of Marina’s word of derision, this time, are the other families from Oinoussai, the island where the Hadjipateras mariners go their start. Virginia Heffernan, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024 Despite years of derision from conservative quarters of Israeli society, female combat soldiers have become symbols of progress and equality, appearing on magazine covers and featured in television news profiles. Isabel Kershner Avishag Shaar-Yashuv, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2024 The Globes save room for Taylor Swift Five years ago, the attempt to add a popular-film Oscar was met with such widespread derision that the idea was scuttled a mere month after its announcement. Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2023 It’s become sporting in our community to throw shade and derision at biologists and agencies. Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 30 Nov. 2023 On that day, my colleagues reacted to this claim with derision and contempt. Christopher Nadon, WSJ, 30 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'derision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin derision-, derisio, from Latin deridēre — see deride

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of derision was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near derision

Cite this Entry

“Derision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derision. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

derision

noun
de·​ri·​sion di-ˈrizh-ən How to pronounce derision (audio)
: scornful ridicule
derisive
-ˈrī-siv
adjective
derisively adverb
derisiveness noun
derisory
-ˈrī-sə-rē
-zə-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on derision

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