Mock
/mɒk/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo treat with contempt or ridicule; to deride.
/mɒk/
To ridicule or make fun of someone or something.
The older kids mocked the new student for his clothes.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is trying to sing, and you start laughing and making fun of them. That's mocking! It's like teasing someone in a mean way.
👶 For kids: To laugh at someone and make fun of them.
More Examples
He was mocked for his accent.
The comedian mocked the politician's policies.
How It's Used
"She was mocked by her classmates for her unusual hairstyle."
"The villain mocked the hero's courage before the final battle."
Ridicule, contempt, or derision.
/mɒk/
An act of making fun of someone or something.
The politician was the target of constant mockery from the press.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone is making fun of you in a playful, annoying way. That's a mock! It's the act of teasing or ridiculing someone.
👶 For kids: When someone is making fun of you.
More Examples
His clumsy attempts at dancing earned him a lot of mockery.
She couldn't stand the daily mockery at school.
How It's Used
"The children's teasing quickly turned into open mockery."
"His words were filled with bitterness and mockery."
Serving as an imitation or a substitute; simulated; not real.
/mɒk/
Simulated; not real or genuine.
They conducted a mock interview to prepare her for the job application.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're practicing for a play. A 'mock' performance is like a rehearsal, not the real thing. Or think of a mock exam; it's a practice test.
👶 For kids: Pretend or fake.
More Examples
The firefighters practiced with a mock rescue.
The company presented a mock-up of the new product.
How It's Used
"The soldiers practiced in a mock battle scenario."
"The students took a mock exam to prepare for the real one."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
mock something up
To create a preliminary or experimental version of something.
"The designers mocked up a prototype of the new website."
From Middle English *mokken*, from Old French *moquer* ('to mock, jeer'), of uncertain origin.
The word 'mock' has been used for centuries to describe making fun of others and simulating actions. In older texts, it can also refer to to making jest of someone or something.
Memory tip
Think of a MONKEY acting silly and making fun of everything - that's mocking!
Word Origin
"to mock, jeer"