teasing — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously, especially by ridicule; provoking someone with persistent annoyances; making fun of, making light of someone.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   ribbingtantalizationtease

   Broader terms

   bullying

   Examples

   Teasing can be seen as a kind of workplace abuse.

   The gentle teasing between siblings filled the house with laughter.

2. The act of removing tangles from one's hair with a comb.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   comb-out

   Examples

   The teasing of her curls took nearly an hour with the fine-tooth comb.

Adjective

1. Playfully vexing, especially by ridicule.

   Synonyms

   mockingquizzical

   Examples

   The children exchanged teasing remarks during recess.

2. Arousing sexual desire without intending to satisfy it.

   Examples

   The actress gave him a teasing glance before walking away.

3. Causing irritation or annoyance.

   Synonyms

   annoyingbothersomegallingirritatingnettlesomepeskypesteringpestiferousplagueyplaguyvexatiousvexing

   Examples

   The teasing itch from the mosquito bite drove her crazy.

Adjective

1. playfully vexing (especially by ridicule)

   Synonyms

   mockingquizzical

2. arousing sexual desire without intending to satisfy it

   Examples

   her lazy teasing smile

3. causing irritation or annoyance

   Synonyms

   annoyingbothersomegallingirritatingnettlesomepeskypesteringpestiferousplaguyplagueyvexatiousvexing

   Examples

   tapping an annoying rhythm on his glass with his fork

   aircraft noise is particularly bothersome near the airport

   More examples (9)

   found it galling to have to ask permission

   an irritating delay

   nettlesome paperwork

   a pesky mosquito

   swarms of pestering gnats

   a plaguey newfangled safety catch

   a teasing and persistent thought annoyed him

   a vexatious child

   it is vexing to have to admit you are wrong

Noun

1. the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule); provoking someone with persistent annoyances

   Synonyms

   teaseribbingtantalization

   Broader terms

   harassmentmolestation

   Examples

   he ignored their teases

   his ribbing was gentle but persistent

2. playful vexation

   Broader terms

   playfrolicrompgambolcaper

   Examples

   the parody was just a form of teasing

3. the act of removing tangles from you hair with a comb

   Synonyms

   comb-out

   Broader terms

   combcombing