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

Riders who flout rules are warned and sometimes fined, they say, with repeat offenders banned.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

But NGOs say many agencies flout the rules, taking advantage of people desperate to work abroad.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 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

I was shocked and frightened to see her flout Father’s authority, but truthfully, I could feel something similar moving around in my own heart.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

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