Tease

As a Verb

1. To make fun of or mock someone in a playful or sometimes hurtful way.
2. To provoke or annoy someone, often by joking or taunting.
3. To arouse curiosity or interest without fully satisfying it.
4. To gently separate or pull apart (especially in hairstyling or fabric).

As a Noun

1. A person who playfully mocks or flirts with others.
2. Something that excites interest but does not provide full satisfaction.

As Other Form

• Teasing (Adjective/Noun): The act of making fun of someone or playfully provoking them.

Word History

The word tease comes from Old English tǣsan, meaning “to pluck or pull apart.” Originally, it referred to separating fibers for spinning, but over time, it evolved to mean provoking or playing with someone in a lighthearted or irritating way.

Examples

1. He used to tease his sister, but always in a playful way. (Verb)
2. The movie trailer teased the audience with glimpses of the action. (Verb)
3. She was a bit of a tease, always joking and playfully flirting. (Noun)
4. The stylist teased her hair to add volume. (Verb)

Synonyms

Mock, taunt, joke, provoke, flirt

Related Words

Ridicule, annoy, jest, torment, entice

Antonyms

Praise, comfort, reassure, satisfy