flaunt

[ flawnt ]

verb (used without object)

1. to parade or display oneself conspicuously, defiantly, or boldly.
2. to wave conspicuously in the air.

verb (used with object)

1. to parade or display ostentatiously:

   to flaunt one's wealth.

   Synonyms: vaunt, exhibit, flourish

2. to ignore or treat with disdain:

   He was expelled for flaunting military regulations.

noun

1. the act of flaunting.
2. Obsolete. something flaunted.

flaunt

/ flɔːnt /

verb

1. to display (possessions, oneself, etc) ostentatiously; show off
2. to wave or cause to wave freely; flutter

noun

1. the act of flaunting

Usage

Flaunt is sometimes wrongly used where flout is meant: they must be prevented from flouting (not flaunting ) the law

Confusables Note

The use of flaunt to mean “to ignore or treat with disdain” ( He flaunts community standards with his behavior ) is strongly objected to by many usage guides, which insist that only flout can properly express this meaning. From its earliest appearance in English in the 16th century, flaunt has had the meanings “to display oneself conspicuously, defiantly, or boldly” in public and “to parade or display ostentatiously.” These senses approach those of flout, which dates from about the same period: “to treat with disdain, scorn, or contempt; scoff at; mock.” A sentence like Once secure in his new social position, he was able to flaunt his lower-class origins can thus be ambiguous in current English. Considering the similarity in pronunciation of the two words, it is not surprising that flaunt has assumed the meanings of flout and that this use has appeared in the speech and edited writing of even well-educated, literate persons. Nevertheless, many regard the senses of flaunt and flout as entirely unrelated and concerned speakers and writers still continue to keep them separate.

Derived Forms

• ˈflauntingly, adverb
• ˈflaunter, noun

Other Words From

• flaunter noun
• flaunting·ly adverb
• un·flaunted adjective
• un·flaunting adjective
• un·flaunting·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of flaunt¹

First recorded in 1560–70; of obscure origin; compare Norwegian dialect flanta “to show off”

Word History and Origins

Origin of flaunt¹

C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dialect flanta to wander about

Example Sentences

He also flaunted his relations with white women in public.

From Salon

They flaunt their lifestyles on social media, where crime is often seen as a path to quick money and glamour.

From BBC

"In a country like ours," he said, "you have to try and lead by example, not flaunt your wealth and prominence."

From BBC

On any given morning, you can catch one of the free daily yoga classes offered on Fairbanks Lawn, join locals walking their dogs, and admire the free-roaming peacocks flaunting their stuff.

From Los Angeles Times

Censors have been cracking down on any source of financial frustration - vocal online posts are promptly scrubbed, while influencers have been blocked on social media for flaunting luxurious tastes.

From BBC

Related Words

• advertise
• brandish
• proclaim