To mock means to make fun of someone or something in a mean or contemptuous way. When someone mocks you, they might imitate your voice in an exaggerated way, repeat what you said in a sneering tone, or laugh at something you care about. Unlike friendly teasing between friends, mocking has a cruel edge: it's meant to make someone feel small or foolish.

You might see mocking in different contexts. A bully might mock a classmate's stutter or accent. Someone might mock an idea they think is stupid, speaking about it with obvious scorn. The word can also describe imitating someone or something to make it look ridiculous: a comedian might mock a politician's mannerisms.

The word mock also works as an adjective meaning fake or pretend, used for practice. A mock election in your classroom isn't real, but it helps you learn how voting works. In a mock trial, students pretend to be lawyers and witnesses to understand how courts operate.

The difference between the verb and adjective is clear in context: mock exams help you prepare, while mocking someone just hurts their feelings.