What does ridicule mean?
Ridicule means to mock or disparage someone or something, usually by presenting it as foolish, inadequate, or worthy of laughter. As a noun, it refers to the act of contemptuous mockery, as in phrases such as “public ridicule” and “the subject of ridicule.” The word is commonly used in journalism, politics, literature, and everyday speech to describe responses that dismiss a person or idea through laughter rather than reasoned disagreement. Its tone is generally stronger and more confrontational than criticism, although it can also be used in a more formal, figurative sense, meaning that an argument or claim deserves contempt. Ridicule derives from the Latin ridere, “to laugh,” through the French word ridiculus, “laughable.” It is a useful word for describing the social force of laughter and the way ridicule can marginalize people or discredit ideas without directly addressing their substance.
To mock or express contempt for someone or something, especially by making it appear foolish or unworthy of serious regard.
"The commentator ridiculed the idea of reducing the entire crisis to a technicality."
Often stronger than criticize and frequently implies hostile or dismissive treatment.
The act of mocking or expressing contempt for someone or something.
"The policy was abandoned after it drew widespread ridicule."
Common in expressions such as “public ridicule,” “meet with ridicule,” and “subject of ridicule.”
The usual plural is “ridicules.”
"The speaker was subjected to ridicules from several quarters."
Ridicule turns laughter into a weapon: what is mocked can be made to seem foolish, even when the target has a serious point.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ridicule come from?
The English word comes from French ridiculus, meaning “ridiculous” or “laughable,” a borrowing of Latin ridiculus, “laughable, absurd.” The Latin adjective was formed from ridere, “to laugh,” with the suffix -culus. The same root appears in English words such as ridiculous, deride, and derision, all of which connect laughter or mockery with contempt.
Related word forms
How ridicule is actually used
The word is generally stronger and more openly hostile than criticize. It can be used formally, but its effect is often confrontational or satirical; in academic and political prose, it may also be used figuratively when describing arguments or claims as unworthy of serious consideration.
Easily confused with ridicule
Ridicule is an action of mocking someone or something, whereas ridiculous is an adjective meaning worthy of ridicule or clearly absurd.
Both words mean to mock contemptuously, but deride often emphasizes the act of treating something with scorn and ridicule.