mock

To copy someone’s voice or actions in a way that makes them look foolish.

• The boys mocked his accent.
• She mocked the teacher by copying his gestures.
• Stop mocking the way I walk.

Similar words: mimic, imitate

Common phrases: mock someone’s accent, mock someone’s voice, mock someone for, openly mock someone

To make someone’s hopes or efforts seem useless by preventing success.

• The wind mocked our efforts to light a fire.
• Each setback mocked her hopes of escape.
• The empty well mocked their desperate search for water.

Similar words: frustrate, defeat

Common phrases: mock someone’s hopes, mock someone’s efforts

Made or done to seem real, often for practice or fun.

• We held a mock election.
• She gasped in mock horror.
• The course includes mock interviews with employers.

Similar words: imitation, simulated, pretend, fake

Opposites: real, genuine

Common phrases: mock trial, mock interview, mock surprise, mock leather

A test taken for practice before an important exam.

• My maths mock is tomorrow.
• She did well in her mocks.
• Have you revised for the history mock?

Similar words: practice exam

Common phrases: history mock, mock results, sit a mock

A copy that looks like something real but is often poorer in quality.

• The crown was only a mock.
• They sold a cheap mock of the original.
• This mock lacks the quality of the real thing.

Similar words: imitation, copy, fake

Opposites: original

Common phrases: cheap mock, poor mock

The act of laughing at someone or treating them as foolish.

• There was mock in his voice.
• They made mock of the stranger.
• Her proud speech became the subject of cruel mock.

How to use it: make mock of someone/something (The crowd made mock of his grand promises.)

Similar words: mockery, ridicule

Common phrases: make mock, cruel mock