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ridicule definition

ridi·cule (rid′i kyo̵̅o̅l′)

noun

    1. the act of making someone or something the object of scornful laughter by joking, mocking, etc.; derision
    2. words or actions intended to produce such laughter
  2. Archaic
    1. an absurdity
    2. foolishness

Etymology: Fr < L ridiculum, a jest, laughable (thing), neut. of ridiculus, laughable, comical < ridere, to laugh < IE *wrizd-, to avert the face (> Sans vrīda, embarrassment) < base *wer-, to turn

transitive verb ridiculed -·culed′, ridiculing -·cul′·ing

to make the object of scornful laughter; make fun of; deride

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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