Teasing

Teasing is the act of playfully disturbing another person, either with words or with actions. In mild cases, and especially when it is reciprocal, it is essentially a form of playing. However, teasing can be also used as painful harassment. In extreme cases it may escalate to real violence, and may even result in abuse (in the case of a child: child abuse).

Teasing may also be pretending to give the other something which the other desires, or giving it very slowly. This is usually done by arousing curiosity or desire and may not actually involve actual intent to satisfy or disclose.

One may also tease an animal. Some animals, such as a cat or dog, may recognize and enjoy this as playing.

See also: brain teaser, bullying, striptease