Definition of 'tease'

Noun

1. someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)
      Synonyms: teaser annoyer vexer
2. a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men
      Synonyms: coquette flirt vamp vamper minx prickteaser
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"
      Synonyms: teasing ribbing tantalization

Verb

1. annoy persistently; "The children teased the boy because of his stammer"
      Synonyms: badger pester bug beleaguer
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"
      Synonyms: razz rag cod tantalize tantalise bait taunt twit rally ride
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"
      Synonyms: tease apart loosen
7. separate the fibers of; "tease wool"
      Synonyms: card
8. mock or make fun of playfully; "the flirting man teased the young woman"
9. ruffle (one's hair) by combing towards the ends towards the scalp, for a full effect
      Synonyms: fluff

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