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”

Explanation

To flout is to scorn or show contempt for. "I flout the law and the concept of civilian safety by making a concerted effort to jaywalk every time I cross a street." Oddly enough, when flout came into existence in the 1550s, it had a much different sense to it than it does now; it's believed that it evolved from the Middle English flowten, “to play the flute." These days, the verb flout means "to scorn," as in to scorn a law, person, or social norm by defying it. As a noun, it is a contemptuous remark or insult. Wrote William Shakespeare, “Flout 'em, and scout 'em; and scout 'em and flout 'em; Thought is free.”

Example Sentences

She urged parents and children to help the government monitor compliance and report companies that flout the law.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

He is among a growing number of migrant workers abandoned by shipowners, who flout their obligations and desert crews without paying the salaries owed.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

But never before have so many Iranians been willing to flout the Islamic Republic’s social rules at the same time, say residents and analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025

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 • Nov. 28, 2025

“Oh, flout the boy!” cried the magician passionately.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

Related Words

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