flout

American  

[flout] / flaʊt /

verb (used with object)

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

   to flout the rules of propriety.

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verb (used without object)

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

noun

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

flout British  

/ flaʊt /

verb

1. to show contempt (for); scoff or jeer (at)

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Commonly Confused

See flaunt.

Other Word Forms

• flouter noun
• floutingly adverb
• unflouted adjective

Etymology

Origin of flout

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”

Example Sentences

He might be correct that world powers are flouting international law and somebody ought to stop them.

From The Wall Street Journal

She urged parents and children to help the government monitor compliance and report companies that flout the law.

From Barron's

Some of the few ships that are traversing the Strait of Hormuz are part of the so-called shadow fleet of vessels flouting sanctions on oil.

From The Wall Street Journal

Powerful nations are flouting international law, and somebody ought to stop them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Powerful nations are flouting international law, and somebody ought to stop them.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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