Ridicule

(30), n. [Fr. ridicule, Sp. ridiculo, It. ridicolo, ridiculo, Lat. ridiculum, from ridiculus, laughable. See RIDICULE, a.] 1. The expression of laughter, especially when mingled with contempt; contemptuous derision.

We have in great measure restricted the meaning of ridicule, which would properly extend over the whole region of the ridiculous, — the laughable, — and we have narrowed it so that in common usage it mostly corresponds to “derision,” which does indeed involve personal and offensive feelings. Here.

2Sense 2. That species of writing which excites contempt with laughter. It differs from burlesque, which may excite laughter without contempt, or it may provoke derision. Kames.

☞ Ridicule and derision are not exactly the same, as derision is applied to persons only, and ridicule to persons or things. We deride the man, but ridicule the man or his performances.

Synonyms—Derision; wit; banter; raillery; burlesque; mockery; irony; satire; sarcasm; gibe; jeer; sneer.

[imp. & p. p. RIDICULED; p. pr. & vb. n. RIDICULING.] To laugh at with expressions of contempt; to deride; to awaken ridicule toward or respecting.

I've known the young, who ridiculed his rage, Love's humblest vassals when oppressed with age. Goldsmith.

Synonyms—To deride; banter; rally; burlesque; mock; satirize; lampoon. See DERIDE.

a. [Fr. ridicule, Sp. ridiculo, It. ridicolo, Lat. ridiculus, from ridere, to laugh.] Ridiculous. [Obs.]