flout

[ flout ]

verb (used with object)

1. to treat with disdain, scorn, or contempt; scoff at; mock:

   to flout the rules of propriety.

verb (used without object)

1. to show disdain, scorn, or contempt; scoff, mock, or gibe (often followed by at ).

noun

1. a disdainful, scornful, or contemptuous remark or act; insult; gibe.

flout

/ flaʊt /

verb

1. whenintr, usually foll by at to show contempt (for); scoff or jeer (at)

Usage

See flaunt

Confusables Note

See flaunt.

Derived Forms

• ˈfloutingly, adverb
• ˈflouter, noun

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flout¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English flouten “to play the flute” ( flute ); compare Dutch fluiten “to play the flute, talk smoothly, soothe, blandish, impose upon, jeer”

Word History and Origins

Origin of flout¹

C16: perhaps from Middle English flouten to play the flute, from Old French flauter compare Dutch fluiten ; see flute

Example Sentences

McCoy, like pastors on both sides of the political aisle, openly flouts the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law that bars tax-exempt organizations from participating in political campaigns and endorsing candidates.

From Los Angeles Times

The complaints cited an email from Joseph Martinez, BaronHR’s head of sales and operations, expressing frustration at the company’s repeated flouting of the law.

From New York Times

However, operators often flout safety rules and overcrowd them beyond capacity.

From BBC

But whatever the process chosen, anti-abortion laws were regularly flouted, broken on average a million times a year.

From Los Angeles Times

Baritone David Stout is happy to flout the old rule about not working with children and animals.

From BBC

Related Words

• defy
• disregard
• mock
• repudiate
• scorn
• spurn