flaunt

American  

[flawnt] / flɔnt /

verb (used without object)

1. to parade or display oneself conspicuously, defiantly, or boldly.

2. to wave conspicuously in the air.

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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 British  

/ flɔːnt /

verb

1. to display (possessions, oneself, etc) ostentatiously; show off

2. to wave or cause to wave freely; flutter

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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

Commonly Confused

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.

Other Word Forms

• flaunter noun
• flauntingly adverb
• unflaunted adjective
• unflaunting adjective
• unflauntingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of flaunt

First recorded in 1560–70; of obscure origin; compare Norwegian dialect flanta “to show off”

Example Sentences

Philadelphia’s loss to the Niners capped off a season when the Eagles lacked the offensive mojo they flaunted throughout last year’s Super Bowl run.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Stephens writes with vigor and verve, and he refrains from flaunting the expertise he clearly possesses.

From The Wall Street Journal

For major hardware makers, the challenge now is proving the utility of generative AI in everyday applications rather than simply flaunting cutting-edge tech.

From Barron's

The continuation of U.S. intelligence support may not be flaunted but it’s hardly hidden.

From The Wall Street Journal

After spending much of the year racing to remake civilization, they packed a giant convention center and marveled at displays flaunting the latest AI research between bites of Auntie Anne’s pretzels.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• advertise
• brandish
• proclaim