mock
|mock|
🇺🇸
/mɑk/
🇬🇧
/mɒk/
to ridicule or imitate
Etymology
'mock' originates from Middle English, probably influenced by Old French 'moquer' meaning 'to scoff' or 'to deride'.
'mock' evolved from Old French 'moquer' into Middle English forms such as 'mok'/'moken' and eventually became the modern English word 'mock'.
Initially it meant 'to scoff or deride'; over time it retained that sense while also developing meanings of 'to simulate or imitate' (as a practice or model) and an archaic sense 'to frustrate'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an imitation, model, or practice version (e.g., a 'mock' exam or trial).
She took a mock before the final exam.
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Noun 2
an act or instance of ridicule or contempt (less common than 'mockery').
His suggestion was greeted with mock.
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Verb 1
to make fun of someone or something in a cruel or scornful way; to ridicule.
They mock him for his accent.
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Verb 2
to imitate or mimic (someone or something), often in a way intended to ridicule.
He mocked the teacher's mannerisms.
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Verb 3
to simulate or reproduce roughly (often with 'up' as a phrasal verb: 'mock up').
They mocked the interface for testing purposes.
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Verb 4
(archaic) To frustrate or disappoint; to make ineffective.
Their hopes were mocked by unexpected events.
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Adjective 1
not real; imitation or simulated (used before nouns: mock trial, mock-up).
They held a mock trial for the students.
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Adverb 1
in a scornful or derisive manner.
She laughed mockingly at his excuse.
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Last updated: 2025/10/24 18:00