jeer

¹

[jeer]

verb (used without object)

1. to speak or shout derisively; scoff or gibe rudely.

   Don't jeer unless you can do better.

   Synonyms: jest, sneer

verb (used with object)

1. to shout derisively at; taunt.

   Synonyms: fleer, flout, ridicule, deride

2. to treat with scoffs or derision; mock.

   Synonyms: fleer, flout, ridicule, deride

3. to drive away by derisive shouts (followed by out of, off, etc.).

   They jeered the speaker off the stage.

noun

1. a jeering utterance; derisive or rude gibe.

jeer

²

[jeer]

noun

Nautical.

1. any of various combinations of tackles for raising or lowering heavy yards.

jeer

/ dʒɪə /

verb

1. (often foll by at) to laugh or scoff (at a person or thing); mock

noun

1. a remark or cry of derision; gibe; taunt

Other Word Forms

• jeering adjective
• jeerer noun
• jeeringly adverb
• unjeered adjective
• unjeering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jeer¹

1555–65; origin uncertain; compare Old English cēir clamor, akin to cēgan to call out

Origin of jeer²

First recorded in 1485–95; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of jeer¹

C16: of unknown origin

Synonym Study

See scoff ¹.

Example Sentences

By the time the visitors made it out to inspect the pitch, there were Newcastle fans gathered to jeer them some more.

From BBC

Ekitike was a target even when he was in the dressing room, Newcastle fans jeering his name loudly when it was read out before the game.

From BBC

On Monday, that anger reached Northern California, where Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., was jeered and heckled at two forums in Chico and Red Bluff, reportedly his first in-person town halls in nearly 8 years.

From Salon

"You are not men, just machines that can speak," they jeered.

From BBC

On the floor, with tempers simmering on the Sparks’ bench, a delay-of-game whistle drew another round of jeers from the Crypto.com Arena crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hoot 
• quip 
• ridicule 
• scoff 
• sneer 
• snipe 
• taunt