tease

annoy persistently

• “The children teased the boy because of his stammer”

harass with persistent criticism or carping

• “The children teased the new teacher”
• “Don”
• “;”

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”

tear into pieces

• “tease tissue for microscopic examinations”

raise the nap of (fabrics)

disentangle and raise the fibers of

• “tease wool”

separate the fibers of

• “tease wool”

mock or make fun of playfully

• “the flirting man teased the young woman”

ruffle (one''s hair) by combing towards the ends towards the scalp, for a full effect

someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity)

a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men

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”