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

It was a big story—indicating that Israel was continuing to flout international law to prevent Hezbollah from getting weapons.

From The Daily Beast

Republicans could flout their own resentments and true believers.

From The Daily Beast

How do you openly flout a landmark Supreme Court ruling and not suffer any consequences?

From The Daily Beast

He chose the country and let Alice flout contemporary morals, carousing and smoking in public.

From The Daily Beast

A pardon would flout the principle that even the president is not above the law.

From The Daily Beast

It is one of the oldest institutions of the country, which even we upon our hundred acres would not have dared to flout.

From Project Gutenberg

We English, once upon a time, did especially flout the little nation then acting a history that proved worth the writing.

From Project Gutenberg

Couldn't afford to offend Railway Directors, yet wouldn't do to flout numerous body of working-men, chiefly voters.

From Project Gutenberg

Very easy it is for you, who have the impudence to flout kings, to talk thus to one who is frightened of strangers.

From Project Gutenberg

Is it a safe thing, think you, Sir Count, to jest with a princess in her own land and then come back to flout her for it?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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