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

For districts that persistently flout anti-discrimination laws, “the department may use any means necessary to effect compliance,” according to laws already in place.

From Los Angeles Times

Retaining the header is a lawyerly attempt to keep his word while flouting it in spirit.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Those who perform civic service should expect to be held to a higher standard. This wasn’t a mistake. This was a concerted effort to flout the law to escape justice.”

From Los Angeles Times

One hardline Iranian MP, Hossein Ali Haji Deligani, has issued an ultimatum to the judiciary to come up with measures to put a stop to the flouting of the rules within the next 48 hours.

From BBC

A hardline Iranian MP has issued an ultimatum to the judiciary to come up with measures to put a stop to women flouting the rules on headscarves, within the next 48 hours.

From BBC

Related Words

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