# derision

/dɝˈɪʒən/ (US) · /dɪɹˈɪʒən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/derision
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

the act of making fun of someone or something in a mean or cruel way. You use this when people laugh at someone to show they think the person is stupid or weak.

For teachers: the expression of contempt or scorn, typically through ridicule or mockery. Often implies a public or collective dismissal of a person's ideas or character.

## Examples

- He faced derision from his classmates after failing the test.
- The politician's new policy was met with derision by the media, who mocked the lack of a clear budget.
- Despite the initial derision from the scientific community, her radical hypothesis eventually gained acceptance as more data supported her original findings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.