mockery

Everyday

1. Laughing at someone or something in an unkind way; teasing. tree →
2. Something so bad or unfair that it seems a silly copy of the real thing: the trial was a mockery of justice. tree →
3. make a mockery of: to make something seem stupid or pointless. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, a character faces «mockery» from bullies; in anti-bullying lessons, mockery is a form of unkindness. In news, «a mockery» means something was done so badly it is ridiculous. Phrases: make a mockery of, a mockery of justice, face mockery.

Examples

• The new boy faced mockery because of his accent. tree →
• Mockery can hurt as much as hitting. tree →
• Cheating makes a mockery of the game. tree →
• The badly run election was a mockery. tree →
• She ignored their mockery and kept dancing. tree →
• His laugh was full of mockery. tree →
• The rules are a mockery if nobody follows them. tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable; «a mockery of» is a fixed phrase. Related: mock (verb: to make fun of; noun UK: a practice exam, «mocks»), mocking (adjective).

In Jewish tradition

It means scorn and unkind jeering, here by wicked people who mock the psalmist with cruel talk.

Interpretation. The psalm is read as the prayer of a righteous person who is attacked by enemies and asks God to defend him.

Examples

• With the profanest mockeries of backbiting they gnash at me with their teeth. (Writings PSA.35.16, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable; «a mockery of» is a fixed phrase. Related: mock (verb: to make fun of; noun UK: a practice exam, «mocks»), mocking (adjective).