Tease Definition

tease
noun
  1. someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)
  2. a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men
  3. the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule); provoking someone with persistent annoyances; "he ignored their teases"; "his ribbing was gentle but persistent"
verb
  1. annoy persistently; "The children teased the boy because of his stammer"
  2. harass with persistent criticism or carping; "The children teased the new teacher"; "Don't ride me so hard over my failure"; "His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie"
  3. to arouse hope, desire, or curiosity without satisfying them; "The advertisement is intended to tease the customers"; "She has a way of teasing men with her flirtatious behavior"
  4. tear into pieces; "tease tissue for microscopic examinations"
  5. raise the nap of (fabrics)
  6. disentangle and raise the fibers of; "tease wool"
  7. separate the fibers of; "tease wool"
  8. mock or make fun of playfully; "the flirting man teased the young woman"
  9. ruffle (one's hair) by combing the ends towards the scalp, for a full effect

"Tease" in song lyrics

See how tease is used in real songs:

  • "You thug it out? Cut it out, your writing steez is a tease"
    7L & Esoteric — Boxcutter Rap
  • "Run for the fountain but the fountain is a desert optical tease"
    Aesop Rock — Water
  • "Just to tease"
    A.L.T. — Audi 5000

Usage tips for "tease"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "tease" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for tease to find words that pair well.

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