teasing Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule); provoking someone with persistent annoyances
   tantalization; ribbing; tease.
   
   • he ignored their teases
   • his ribbing was gentle but persistent
2. noun playful vexation
   
   • the parody was just a form of teasing
3. noun the act of removing tangles from you hair with a comb
   comb-out.
   
4. verb annoy persistently
   badger; beleaguer; pester; bug; tease.
   
   • The children teased the boy because of his stammer
5. verb harass with persistent criticism or carping
   rag; razz; bait; tantalize; twit; taunt; ride; tease; cod; rally; tantalise.
   
   • 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
6. verb to arouse hope, desire, or curiosity without satisfying them
   tease.
   
   • The advertisement is intended to tease the customers
   • She has a way of teasing men with her flirtatious behavior
7. verb tear into pieces
   tease.
   
   • tease tissue for microscopic examinations
8. verb raise the nap of (fabrics)
   tease.
   
9. verb disentangle and raise the fibers of
   loosen; tease apart; tease.
   
   • tease wool
10. verb separate the fibers of
    card; tease.
    
    • tease wool
11. verb mock or make fun of playfully
    tease.
    
    • the flirting man teased the young woman
12. verb ruffle (one's hair) by combing the ends towards the scalp, for a full effect
    fluff; tease.
    
13. adjective satellite playfully vexing (especially by ridicule)
    mocking; quizzical.
    
    • his face wore a somewhat quizzical almost impertinent air"- Lawrence Durrell
14. adjective satellite arousing sexual desire without intending to satisfy it
    
    • her lazy teasing smile
15. adjective satellite causing irritation or annoyance
    pestering; nettlesome; plaguey; plaguy; galling; vexing; pesky; bothersome; vexatious; annoying; pestiferous; irritating.
    
    • tapping an annoying rhythm on his glass with his fork
    • aircraft noise is particularly bothersome near the airport
    • found it galling to have to ask permission
    • an irritating delay
    • nettlesome paperwork
    • a pesky mosquito
    • swarms of pestering gnats
    • a plaguey newfangled safety catch
    • a teasing and persistent thought annoyed him
    • a vexatious child
    • it is vexing to have to admit you are wrong

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