flaunt

[flawnt]

verb (used without object)

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

2. to wave conspicuously in the air.

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

/ flɔːnt /

verb

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

2. to wave or cause to wave freely; flutter

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

Confusables Note

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flaunt¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flaunt¹

C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dialect flanta to wander about

Example Sentences

Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant are all smiles in wedding attire as they flaunt matching rings signaling the start of a new chapter — or at least that’s what one recently viral AI photo depicts.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a city that has long acknowledged, even flaunted, America’s discomfort with it.

From Los Angeles Times

For months, fury had been brewing against "nepo babies", the children of powerful politicians of all stripes, who were accused of flaunting their unexplained wealth on social media.

From BBC

Since connecting, the pair of Australians have flaunted their relationship at public events including the Australian Open and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

From Los Angeles Times

Postal Service letter carrier in Torrance pleaded guilty to stealing credit cards and checks from the mail and using them to live a lavish lifestyle she flaunted on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advertise 
• brandish 
• proclaim