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

They offer no credible evidence to support what they’re saying; indeed, they almost seem to flaunt the flimsiness of their claims.

From Slate

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

The freewheeling address saw him flaunt his wealth and business success; accuse Mexico of sending drugs, crime and rapists to the US; and, promise to make the country pay for a border wall.

From BBC

A name-change notice ran in the July 8 edition of The Times, but it was characterized by several outlets as Shiloh, the eldest of Jolie and Pitt’s biological children, “taking out an ad” to flaunt the name-change amid her parent’s drawn-out and contentious divorce.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advertise
• brandish
• proclaim