scofflaw

[ skawf-law, skof- ]

noun

1. a person who flouts the law, especially one who fails to pay fines owed.
2. a person who flouts rules, conventions, or accepted practices.

scofflaw

/ ˈskɒflɔː /

noun

1. informal.
   a person who habitually flouts or violates the law, esp one who fails to pay debts or answer summonses

Word History and Origins

Origin of scofflaw¹

First recorded in 1920–25; scoff ¹ + law ¹

Example Sentences

With the novelty’s popularity came a rise in partyers, teenage scofflaws and protesters wreaking Silly destruction.

From Los Angeles Times

But the department’s letter was sent days ago without public comment, and its reported warning that the lottery may be illegal isn’t likely to petrify scofflaws such as Musk and Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

Residents in the adjacent Riverwood Ranch, a gated, 37-home enclave, are fed up and are calling for a city crackdown on scofflaw visitors.

From Los Angeles Times

The state requires the annual staffing audits but does not require that districts divulge the names of the scofflaw schools.

From Los Angeles Times

In January, Werfel reported that over the previous year the IRS had collected $520 million in unpaid taxes from some 1,600 rich scofflaws — thus far.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blackmailer
• criminal
• crook
• culprit
• delinquent
• felon
• fugitive
• gangster
• hoodlum
• hooligan
• mobster
• offender
• racketeer