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# derision

noun (derision — uncountable)

«derision» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Unkind laughter or comments that show you think someone or something is stupid or worthless; mocking. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/derision/#m1)
2. The state of being laughed at: «an object of derision». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/derision/#m2)

### In the lessons

In stories and history: an idea or person may be met with derision at first, before being proven right (inventors, explorers). In ethics and school life: derision is a form of bullying — laughing at someone hurts. In the Bible, people held Jesus up to derision at the cross. Phrases: «with derision», «an object of derision», «hoots of derision», «met with derision».

### Examples

- The crowd greeted the referee's decision with derision. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/derision/#x1)
- His idea was met with derision, but later it made him famous. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/derision/#x2)
- She ignored the derision of the older boys. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/derision/#x3)
- The giant laughed in derision at the tiny knight. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/derision/#x4)
- The poor singer became an object of derision. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/derision/#x5)
- Derision can hurt more than a push. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/derision/#x6)
- I am called Curlicue, and am an object of derision; I entreat you to make me less ridiculous.’ [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/derision/#x7)

### Note

Uncountable. Related: «deride» (verb, to mock), «derisive» (showing derision), «derisory» (so small it is laughable: «a derisory offer»). Formal; in speech say «mocking» or «laughing at».

## In Jewish tradition

In this verse it means being laughed at and shamed by enemies.

**Interpretation.** Tradition reads it as part of the shame of the golden calf. The people's sin made Israel a joke to its enemies.

### Examples

- And when Moses saw that the people were broken loose — for Aaron had let them loose for a derision among their enemies — (Torah EXO.32.25, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/derision/#x1)
- For was not Israel a derision unto thee? (Prophets JER.48.27, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/derision/#x2)
- He that sitteth in heaven laugheth, the Lord hath them in derision. (Writings PSA.2.4, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/derision/#x3)
- I am become a derision to all my people, and their song all the day. (Writings LAM.3.14, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/derision/#x4)

### Note

Uncountable. Related: «deride» (verb, to mock), «derisive» (showing derision), «derisory» (so small it is laughable: «a derisory offer»). Formal; in speech say «mocking» or «laughing at».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «derision» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/derision/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«derision» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/derision.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «derision» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/D/derision/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«derision» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/derision.html) on Mova free.