tease
|tease|
B2
/tiːz/
playful provocation
Etymology
Etymology Information
'tease' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'tǣsan,' where 'tǣsan' meant 'pluck or pull apart.'
Historical Evolution
'tǣsan' transformed into the Middle English word 'tesen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'tease.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to pull apart,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make fun of or provoke.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who makes fun of others in a playful or unkind way.
She was known as the class tease.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to make fun of or attempt to provoke (a person or animal) in a playful way.
He teased his sister about her new haircut.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35