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

“We live in a society where there are girls who are in love with theirself and flaunt it but the majority are insecure,” says one.

From The Daily Beast

As the Middle East sinks further into chaos, the Americans and Israelis flaunt a luxury that neither can afford.

From The Daily Beast

Most patriotic movies flaunt their pride by having America trounce foreign countries.

From The Daily Beast

Do we get to see Jon Snow flaunt his skills with the ladies in Season 4?

From The Daily Beast

Why so many people are so eager to flaunt their musical bona fides by loathing Coldplay.

From The Daily Beast

No less mock will we make of them, however, and we will flaunt in their faces that we have no fear of them.

From Project Gutenberg

It belonged to his dream of success—when a thousand banners should flaunt in the gardens of the Tuileries.

From Project Gutenberg

But fr'm now on ye can flaunt ye'er teeth in th' face iv anny inspictor.

From Project Gutenberg

Beloved, have I not tended you that you should thus flaunt me?'

From Project Gutenberg

She bloomed with alternatives—she resembled some dull garden-path which under a copious downpour has begun to flaunt with colour.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• advertise
• brandish
• proclaim