derision Hear it!

derision Definition

de·ri·sion (di riz̸hən)

noun

  1. a deriding or being derided; contempt or ridicule
  2. Rare a person or thing derided

Etymology: ME < LL derisio < derisus, pp. of deridere

derision Synonyms

derision

n.

derision Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • attract: But instead of attracting derision, this became Stellastarr* 's attraction.
  • cause: There are notorious examples of public art, such as those entered for the Turner prize, which cause derision or outrage.
  • receive: The comments I made in Troon did receive some derision.
  • invite: An amalgam of mysticism, psychotherapy and pure science fiction, the content invited the derision which was inevitably forthcoming.
  • meet: His words would have met derision and large guffaws!
  • excite: Here was a spectacle to excite the derision or pity of the gods.

Adjective modifier

  • much: The fact that Franchise include people who have received refunds and been sent a season ticket was the subject of much derision.
  • public: Whatever the reason, a journalist whose story turns out to be inaccurate, unfair or untrue will very justifiably earn public derision.
  • universal: The hapless EU minister Denis MacShane will demand the European Army intervene, to universal derision.
  • critical: The Matrix Revolutions found itself on the wrong end of more critical derision than any decent film in quite some time.
  • widespread: The party's attempts to carve out distinctive policy positions on public services have met with widespread derision.
  • undeserved: At last, after years of completely undeserved derision, Godzilla can now be seen for the masterpiece it is.

Noun used with modifier

  • heap: Why, then, are people queuing up to heap derision upon the hapless chavs?

Preposition: in

  • quarter: The announcement was greeted with derision in some quarters.
  • land: This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.
  • measure: We live in times where our politicians and public figures are looked at with both suspicion and derision in equal measure.

Preposition: of

  • people: They have acted with total arrogance and derision of the people.

Preposition: from

  • crowd: One policeman fell over while attempting this, drawing hoots of derision from the crowds.
  • intellectual: Despite derision from many intellectuals and other critics, the show has been a commercial success around the world.
  • rest: Naturally, his theory was met with derision from the rest of the scientific community.
derision Quotes

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the L shall have them in derision.

—Bible (Old Testament)

For the crown of our life as it closes Is darkness, the fruit thereof dust; No thorns go as deep as a rose's, And love is more cruel than lust. Time turns the old days to derision, Our loves into corpses or wives; And marriage and death and division Make barren our lives.

—Swinburne, Algernon Charles