tease

//tiːz//
B1Frequency Level 9Neutral
Visual representation of tease

Verb

teaseInfinitive
teasePresent tense
teasedPast tense
teasedPast participle
teasingPresent participle
teasesThird-person singular
1

To make fun of someone playfully or unkindly by saying something to annoy or embarrass them.

My brother always teases me about my haircut.

2

To deliberately arouse interest or desire in someone without satisfying it.

She likes to tease him by hinting at a surprise but never revealing it.

3

To gently pull or comb hair to make it appear fuller or more voluminous.

She teased her hair to add more volume before the party.

Noun

1

A person who teases others, especially by arousing desire without satisfying it.

She's such a tease—she flirts with everyone but never goes on dates.

2

An act of teasing someone.

It was just a friendly tease, so don't take it seriously.

tease - Deep Vocabulary