Definition of: ridicule

(rid′ə.kyl) noun
1. Language calculated to make a person or thing the object of contemptuous humorous disparagement; also, looks or acts expressing amused contempt; derision; mockery.
2. An object of mocking merriment; butt.
3. Obs. Ridiculousness.
—v.t. ·culed, ·cul·ing To make fun of; hold up as a laughingstock; deride. [<OF <L ridiculum a jest, joke, orig. neut. of ridiculus comical <ridere laugh]
—rid′i·cul′er noun Synonym (noun): derision. Ridicule may be merely sportive or thoughtless; derision is always hostile or malicious. See BANTER. Synonyms (verb): banter, chaff, deride, flout, jeer, lampoon, mock, quiz, rally, satirize, scoff, scout, taunt. Antonyms: applaud, celebrate, compliment, eulogize, extol, honor, praise.