Played with something casually or without serious intent, or treated someone without genuine interest or care.
From 'toy,' origin unknown but possibly from Dutch 'toy' (small object to play with). The verb emerged in the 1500s meaning 'to play with' and evolved to include treating carelessly.
When someone 'toys with your emotions,' it's a cruel act, but the word perfectly captures the feeling—like you're being played with like a toy rather than respected as a person!
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