antic

[an-tik]

noun

1. Usually antics.

   1. a playful trick or prank; caper.

   2. a grotesque, fantastic, or ludicrous gesture, act, or posture.

2. Archaic.

   1. an actor in a grotesque or ridiculous presentation.

   2. a buffoon; clown.

3. Obsolete.

   1. a grotesque theatrical presentation; ridiculous interlude.

   2. a grotesque or fantastic sculptured figure, as a gargoyle.

adjective

1. ludicrous; funny.

2. fantastic; odd; grotesque.

   an antic disposition.

verb (used without object)

anticked, anticking 

1. Obsolete.,  to perform antics; caper.

antic

/ ˈæntɪk /

noun

1. archaic,  an actor in a ludicrous or grotesque part; clown; buffoon

adjective

1. archaic,  fantastic; grotesque

Other Word Forms

• antically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antic¹

1520–30; earlier antike, antique < Italian antico ancient (< Latin antīcus, antīquus; antique ), apparently taken to mean “grotesque,” as used in descriptions of fantastic figures found in Roman ruins

Word History and Origins

Origin of antic¹

C16: from Italian antico something ancient, or grotesque (from its application to fantastic carvings found in ruins of ancient Rome); see _antique

Example Sentences

Their viewers, then, may well understand that many Democrats are simply supporting his antics to trigger them.

From Salon

But the film is actually more concerned with the absurdities of male friendship, to the extent that Covino and Marvin are perennially enamored of themselves and can’t help from centering their own antics.

From Los Angeles Times

During the silent film era, audiences flocked to see the physical antics of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.

From Los Angeles Times

Legal proceedings began, but dragged on largely due to Rossi's antics.

From BBC

But the legal process in Scotland dragged on, largely due to antics by Rossi.

From BBC

Related Words

• joke 
• shenanigan 
• trick