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

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

From BBC

And GOP judges can flout ethics rules, because they control the JSC.

From Slate

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

From BBC

"It makes me cross to see there are businesses out there who are willing to flout the law and put people at risk," he said.

From BBC

The protesters did not flout UC’s systemwide rules banning encampments and the blocking of walkways.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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