derision
Americannoun
-
ridicule; mockery.
The inept performance elicited derision from the audience.
-
an object of ridicule.
noun
-
the act of deriding; mockery; scorn
-
an object of mockery or scorn
Other Word Forms
- derisible adjective
- nonderisible adjective
- underisible adjective
Etymology
Origin of derision
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English derisioun, from Old French derision, from Late Latin dērīsiōn-, stem of dērīsiō, from Latin dērīs(us) “mocked” (past participle of dērīdēre “to mock”; deride ) + -iō -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Asking what his job title would be, he met with derision: “What title? Call yourself contessa if you want to!”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
In the years since Black achieved notoriety, a single unknown artist is unlikely to reach universal derision in 2026 — but internet pile-ons are just as popular as they’ve always been.
From Salon • Feb. 16, 2026
So far, Wall Street’s reaction to the proposals has been a mix of derision and disbelief.
From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026
His decision to transfer was met with widespread derision from Huskies fans and officials, who made it known the university would enforce Williams’ contract even if it meant taking him to court.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026
The men who had invested in them were the subjects of cautionary tales, derision, and a fair measure of public loathing.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.