tease
/tiːz/verb
ElementaryNot in standard dictionaries
1
To separate the fibres of (a fibrous material).
2
To comb (originally with teasels) so that the fibres all lie in one direction.
3
To backcomb.
4
To poke fun at, either cruelly or affectionately in a playful way.
5
To provoke or disturb; to annoy.
6
To manipulate or influence the behavior of, especially by repeated acts of irritation.
7
To entice, tempt.
8
To deliberately arouse someone sexually with no intention of satisfying that arousal.
9
To show as forthcoming, in the manner of a teaser.
Sound Patterns & Rhymes
Alliteration
Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)
Assonance
Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing
#informal