Simulated ridicule (4)
I believe the answer is:
mock
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'simulated' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'ridicule' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for mock that I've seen before include "Treat with contempt -- imitation" , "Jeer, deride" , "Scoff at" , "Deride - false" , "Not real, ridicule" .)