tease

Noun

• the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule); provoking someone with persistent annoyances
  • he ignored their teases
    
  • his ribbing was gentle but persistent
    

• a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men

• someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)

Verb

• ruffle (one's hair) by combing the ends towards the scalp, for a full effect

• mock or make fun of playfully
  • the flirting man teased the young woman
    

• separate the fibers of
  • tease wool
    

• disentangle and raise the fibers of
  • tease wool
    

• raise the nap of (fabrics)

• tear into pieces
  • tease tissue for microscopic examinations
    

• to arouse hope, desire, or curiosity without satisfying them
  • The advertisement is intended to tease the customers
    
  • She has a way of teasing men with her flirtatious behavior
    

• harass with persistent criticism or carping
  • The children teased the new teacher
    
  • Don't ride me so hard over my failure
    
  • His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie
    

• annoy persistently
  • The children teased the boy because of his stammer
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  teasing , ribbing , tantalization , coquette , flirt , vamp , vamper , minx , prickteaser , teaser , annoyer , vexer , fluff , card , tease apart , loosen , badger , pester , bug , beleaguer