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Mock

MOK /mɒk/

verbadjectivenounB1SAT

general

(v) To tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner; to imitate (someone or something) in an insulting or derisive way. (adj) Not authentic or real, but intended to be a copy or imitation. (n) An act of derision or ridicule.

As a verb, 'mock' implies a disrespectful and often cruel form of imitation or laughter. As an adjective, it refers to something that is a fake or imitation, often for practice or demonstration.

The story behind the word. The word 'mock' comes from the Old French 'mocquer', meaning 'to mock, deride'. Its origins are somewhat obscure, but it likely developed from a sound-imitative root, suggesting the sound of derisive laughter or scornful speech. This ancient sense of making fun of someone with contempt has remained central to the word's meaning.

Word relationships

Ridicule: Mocking is often a more active, imitative form of making fun; ridicule is the broader act of subjecting someone to contemptuous laughter.
Taunt: Taunting is provoking with insulting remarks; mocking often involves imitation or mimicry.
Imitate: Imitate can be neutral or positive; mock implies imitation with a negative, scornful intent.

Praise: To mock is to scorn; to praise is to express approval.
Respect: Mocking shows disrespect; respecting shows high regard.

Commonly confused with

Mimic: Mimic can be neutral or even admiring imitation; mock implies imitation with the intent to deride or scorn.

Word family

mockery (noun): ridicule or derision; an absurd misrepresentation or imitation
mocker (noun): a person who mocks

Collocations

mock someone's accent
mock trial
mock exam
mock battle
mock surprise

Example sentences

"The older children would often mock the younger ones, imitating their voices and laughing at their mistakes." Describing schoolyard bullying.
"The students participated in a mock trial to prepare for the actual legal proceedings." Referring to a practice exercise.

Memory hook

If you 'MOCK' someone, you might make them feel like a 'MOCK' (fake) version of themselves, not good enough. Fake and scorn

When not to use

Avoid 'mock' when you mean gentle teasing or playful imitation without any intent to scorn or disrespect. For the adjective, ensure it's clear you mean 'imitation' rather than 'genuine'.

Fun facts

The phrase 'mock turtle soup' refers to a soup made to imitate green turtle soup, popular in Victorian England.
In theater, a 'mock-up' is a full-scale model of a design or device, used for teaching, demonstration, or testing.

Related words

Ridicule, Caricature, Lampoon

Explore more words

mocking, derisive, derision, taunt, mimicry, sarcasm