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troll2

Syllabification: (troll)
Pronunciation: /trōl/

Definition of troll

verb

[no object]
  • 1fish by trailing a baited line along behind a boat:we trolled for mackerel
  • carefully and systematically search an area for something:a group of companies trolling for partnership opportunities [with object]:I spent tonight trolling the Internet for expensive lighting gear
  • 2 informal submit a deliberately provocative posting to an online message board with the aim of inciting an angry response:if people are obviously trolling then I’ll delete your posts and do my best to ban you [with object]:you folks taking this opportunity to troll me, you really need to reassess your values in your life
  • 3 [with object] sing (something) in a happy and carefree way:troll the ancient Yuletide carol
  • 4 [no object, with adverbial of direction] chiefly British walk; stroll:we all trolled into town

noun

  • 1 informal a deliberately provocative online posting intended to incite an angry response.
  • a person who submits a deliberately provocative posting.
  • 2a line or bait used in trolling for fish.

Derivatives

troller

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'stroll, roll'): origin uncertain; compare with Old French troller 'wander here and there (in search of game)' and Middle High German trollen 'stroll'

troll in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of troll in the British & World English dictionary
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