Derides

To express contempt or ridicule; to make fun of, mock, or jeer at someone or something. This involves showing a lack of respect and attempting to diminish the worth or importance of a person, idea, or object, often through sarcasm, insult, or imitation. The act of deriding can range from playful teasing to malicious bullying, depending on the context and intent of the speaker. Derision is a strong form of disapproval and can cause considerable emotional distress.

Derides meaning with examples

• The comedian expertly derides political figures, skewering their policies with witty observations and exaggerated impressions. His act often borders on offensive, but the audience seems to appreciate the biting humor that highlights the absurdity of the situation. The laughter helps to lighten the gravity of current events in the world that can weigh on the mind.
• During the schoolyard argument, the older boy derides the younger boy's toy, pointing out its flaws and comparing it to his own, superior model. The younger boy, hurt by the cruel words, clutched the toy protectively. The derision was successful because it achieved its goal of making the younger boy upset.
• Critics derides the artist's new abstract paintings, dismissing them as pretentious and lacking skill. They use sharp language to discredit the work and its intention of expression. Though, the artist continued working, despite the rejection, with the goal of being a famous artist.
• In the debate, the opposition team derides the government's proposal, using sarcasm and exaggerated examples of its potential negative consequences. Their tactics are designed to undermine public confidence and prevent passage of the legislation. The government fights back in order to protect their proposal.