What does jeered mean?
Jeered is the past tense and past participle of the verb jeer, meaning to mock or ridicule someone through derisive sounds, laughter, or remarks. The word often describes the response of a crowd or audience, as in a performer being jeered after a poor decision or mistake, although it can also refer to one person’s contemptuous interruption. Jeering is overt and often noisy, carrying a strong implication of disrespect or hostility. In formal writing, the word can emphasize the public character of the ridicule, while in everyday speech it may simply describe a vocal response intended to embarrass someone. The related noun jeer refers to a mocking sound or remark. Jeered is not a word for mild teasing unless the context makes that playful intention explicit; its usual connotations are criticism, derision, and a desire to shame or annoy.
verb (past tense and past participle of jeer)To mock, ridicule, or express derision toward someone, especially by making jeering sounds or remarks. “Jeered” is the past tense and past participle of “jeer.”
- To mock, ridicule, or show contempt for someone, especially by making derisive sounds or remarks.
"The audience jeered at the referee after the disputed decision."
"Jeered at by the crowd, the speaker briefly lost his composure."
"The actor was jeered when he forgot his lines during the performance."
A jeer makes mockery audible: “jeered” describes the act of deriding someone aloud, often as part of a crowd’s reaction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jeered come from?
Jeered is the regular past-tense and past-participle form of the English verb jeer, which is recorded from the 16th century. The precise origin of jeer is uncertain, but it has long been associated with the expression of mockery and derision. Its related forms include the gerund jeering and the adverb jeeringly.
Related word forms
How jeered is actually used
The verb is neutral in register but commonly suggests a hostile or contemptuous public reaction. It can describe an individual’s mocking remark or the collective response of a group.
Easily confused with jeered
“Jeered” means to mock or ridicule someone, whereas “geared” means prepared or equipped for a particular purpose.