sneer
To sneer is to speak or make an expression that exhibits contempt or mocking.
(verb)An example of to sneer is when you give someone a mocking smile as you make fun of them.
The definition of a sneer is an expression that exhibits contempt or mocking.
(noun)An example of a sneer is a mocking smile that someone makes that shows his contempt.
See sneer in Webster's New World College Dictionary
intransitive verb
- to smile derisively; show scorn or contempt as by curling the upper lip
- to express derision, scorn, or contempt in speech or writing
Origin: ME sneren, akin to Fris sneere, to scorn, Dan snaere, to grin like a dog: see snarl
transitive verb
- to utter with a sneer or in a sneering manner
- to affect in a particular way by sneering: to sneer down a proposal
noun
- an act of sneering
- a sneering expression, insinuation, etc.
Related Forms:
- sneerer noun
- sneeringly adverb
See sneer in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- A scornful facial expression characterized by a slight raising of one corner of the upper lip.
- A contemptuous facial expression, sound, or statement.
- To assume a scornful, contemptuous, or derisive facial expression.
- To speak in a scornful, contemptuous, or derisive manner.
Origin:
Origin: From Middle English sneren, to mock
Origin: , alteration of Old English fnǣran, to breathe heavily; see pneu- in Indo-European roots
.Related Forms:
- sneerˈer noun
- sneerˈful, sneerˈy adjective
- sneerˈing·ly adverb
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