to laugh at

1 definition found

to laugh at - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Laugh \Laugh\ (l[aum]f), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Laughed
     (l[aum]ft); p. pr. & vb. n. Laughing.] [OE. laughen,
     laghen, lauhen, AS. hlehhan, hlihhan, hlyhhan, hliehhan; akin
     to OS. hlahan, D. & G. lachen, OHG. hlahhan, lahhan,
     lahh[=e]n, Icel. hl[ae]ja,W Dan. lee, Sw. le, Goth. hlahjan;
     perh. of imitative origin.]
     1. To show mirth, satisfaction, or derision, by peculiar
        movement of the muscles of the face, particularly of the
        mouth, causing a lighting up of the face and eyes, and
        usually accompanied by the emission of explosive or
        chuckling sounds from the chest and throat; to indulge in
        laughter.
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              Queen Hecuba laughed that her eyes ran o'er. --Shak.
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              He laugheth that winneth.             --Heywood's
                                                    Prov.
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     2. Fig.: To be or appear gay, cheerful, pleasant, mirthful,
        lively, or brilliant; to sparkle; to sport.
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              Then laughs the childish year, with flowerets
              crowned.                              --Dryden.
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              In Folly's cup still laughs the bubble Joy. --Pope.
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     To laugh at, to make an object of laughter or ridicule; to
        make fun of; to deride.
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              No wit to flatter left of all his store,
              No fool to laugh at, which he valued more. --Pope.
        
  
     To laugh in the sleeve, To laugh up one's sleeve, to
        laugh secretly, or so as not to be observed, especially
        while apparently preserving a grave or serious demeanor
        toward the person or persons laughed at.
  
     To laugh out, to laugh in spite of some restraining
        influence; to laugh aloud.
  
     To laugh out of the other corner of the mouth or To laugh out of the other side of the mouth
     , to weep or cry; to feel
        regret, vexation, or disappointment after hilarity or
        exaltation. [Slang]
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