(n)tease, teasing, ribbing, tantalizationthe act of harassing someone playfully or maliciously (especially by ridicule); provoking someone with persistent annoyances“he ignored their teases”, “his ribbing was gentle but persistent”
(v)tease, razz, rag, cod, tantalize, tantalise, bait, taunt, twit, rally, rideharass with persistent criticism or carping“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”
(v)teaseto arouse hope, desire, or curiosity without satisfying them“The advertisement is intended to tease the customers”, “She has a way of teasing men with her flirtatious behavior”