Definition

1. Noun:
   • Humorous or satirical mimicry: The act of mocking or imitating someone or something in a way that is intended to be funny or to show contempt.
   • A composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way: A specific instance, such as a parody or satire, that ridicules by imitation.
   • Showing your contempt by derision: An action or expression that shows scorn and disrespect.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His constant mockery of her accent was cruel and unprofessional.
  • The political cartoon was a brilliant piece of mockery, exposing the hypocrisy of the leaders.
  • The trial was a mockery of justice, with a predetermined verdict.

Advanced Usage

• "to make a mockery of something": To treat something serious with scorn or disrespect, thereby making it seem ridiculous or worthless.
  • The corrupt official's actions made a mockery of the law.
• "to hold someone/something up to mockery": To publicly ridicule or make fun of someone or something.
  • The satirical show held the government's policies up to mockery.

Variants and Related Words

• Mock (verb): To tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner.
  • It is wrong to mock someone for their beliefs.
• Mocking (adjective): Expressing scorn or ridicule.
  • She gave him a mocking smile.
• Mockingly (adverb): In a mocking manner.
  • He laughed mockingly.

Synonyms

• Ridicule: The act of making someone or something the object of scornful laughter.
• Derision: Contemptuous ridicule or mockery.
• Satire: The use of humor, irony, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices.
• Parody: An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.

Related Phrases

• A hollow mockery: An instance of mockery that is empty, insincere, or without real substance.
  • Their apology was a hollow mockery, as they continued the harmful behavior.
• Laughing stock: A person or thing that is ridiculed by many people.
  • His failed invention made him the laughing stock of the scientific community.

Noun

1. humorous or satirical mimicry
2. a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way
3. showing your contempt by derision