Meaning of 'tease'

noun

the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously

Example: "The child continued to guess if the tease was ridicule or flirtation."

Synonyms: ribbing tantalization teasing

noun

a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men

Synonyms: flirt vamp coquette minx prickteaser

noun

someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)

Synonyms: teaser annoyer vexer

verb

ruffle (one's hair) by combing the ends towards the scalp, for a full effect

Synonyms: fluff

verb

harass with persistent criticism or carping

Example: "The children teased the new teacher"

Synonyms: rally

verb

mock or make fun of playfully

Example: "Our coworkers teased us for wearing sweats to the office."

verb

separate the fibers of

Example: "tease wool"

Synonyms: card

verb

disentangle and raise the fibers of

Example: "tease wool"

Synonyms: loosen tease apart

verb

raise the nap of (fabrics)

verb

tear into pieces

Example: "tease tissue for microscopic examinations"

verb

annoy persistently

Example: "The children teased their classmate for having a stammer."

Synonyms: bug badger beleaguer pester

verb

to arouse hope, desire, or curiosity without satisfying them

Example: "The advertisement is intended to tease the customers"