- To laugh at
- 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.
[1913 Webster]
Queen Hecuba laughed that her eyes ran o'er. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
He laugheth that winneth. --Heywood's Prov. [1913 Webster]
2. Fig.: To be or appear gay, cheerful, pleasant, mirthful, lively, or brilliant; to sparkle; to sport. [1913 Webster]
Then laughs the childish year, with flowerets crowned. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
In Folly's cup still laughs the bubble Joy. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
{To laugh at}, to make an object of laughter or ridicule; to make fun of; to deride. [1913 Webster]
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] [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
