- the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, to expose, denounce, or deride the folly or corruption of institutions, people, or social structures:The success of the production stems from its balance of affectionate comedy and well-observed satire.
- a work of art, literature, or entertainment in which the folly and corruption of human beings, institutions, or social structures are exposed, denounced, or ridiculed:The skit offended only those who didn’t recognize it as a political satire. Did you notice that all the novels on her bookshelf were satires?
- a genre of literature, art, or entertainment comprising such works:The eighteenth century is considered British literature’s golden age of satire.
- a novel, play, entertainment, etc, in which topical issues, folly, or evil are held up to scorn by means of ridicule and irony
- the genre constituted by such works
- the use of ridicule, irony, etc, to create such an effect
