taunting

verb (used with object)

1. to reproach in a sarcastic, insulting, or jeering manner; mock.
2. to provoke by taunts; twit.

noun

3. an insulting gibe or sarcasm; scornful reproach or challenge.
4. Obsolete. an object of insulting gibes or scornful reproaches.

verb (tr)

1. to provoke or deride with mockery, contempt, or criticism
2. to tease; tantalize

noun

3. a jeering remark
4. archaic the object of mockery

adjective

1. nautical (of the mast or masts of a sailing vessel) unusually tall

n.1520s, from taunt (v.). v.1510s, possibly from Middle French tanter, tenter “to tempt, try, provoke,” variant of tempter “to try” (see tempt). Or from Middle French tant pour tant “so much for so much, tit for tat,” on notion of “sarcastic rejoinder.” Related: Taunted; taunting.