tease

(noun) someone given to teasing (as by mocking or stirring curiosity). Synonyms: teaser, annoyer, vexer.

(noun) a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men. Synonyms: coquette, flirt, vamp, vamper, minx, prickteaser.

(noun) the act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule); provoking someone with persistent annoyances. Synonyms: teasing, ribbing, tantalization. Examples: "He ignored their teases." "His ribbing was gentle but persistent."

(verb) annoy persistently. Synonyms: badger, pester, bug, beleaguer. Examples: "The children teased the boy because of his stammer."

(verb) harass with persistent criticism or carping. Synonyms: razz, rag, cod, tantalize, tantalise, bait, taunt, twit, rally, ride. Examples: "The children teased the new teacher." "Don't ride me so hard over my failure." "His fellow workers razzed him when he wore a jacket and tie."

(verb) to arouse hope, desire, or curiosity without satisfying them. Examples: "The advertisement is intended to tease the customers." "She has a way of teasing men with her flirtatious behavior."

(verb) tear into pieces. Examples: "Tease tissue for microscopic examinations."

(verb) raise the nap of (fabrics).

(verb) disentangle and raise the fibers of. Synonyms: tease apart, loosen. Examples: "Tease wool."

(verb) separate the fibers of. Synonyms: card. Examples: "Tease wool."

(verb) mock or make fun of playfully. Examples: "The flirting man teased the young woman."

(verb) ruffle (one's hair) by combing the ends towards the scalp, for a full effect. Synonyms: fluff.