scoff

¹

[skawf, skof]

verb (used without object)

1. to speak derisively; mock; jeer (often followed byat ).

   If you can't do any better, don't scoff. Their efforts toward a peaceful settlement are not to be scoffed at.

   Synonyms: gibe

verb (used with object)

1. to mock at; deride.

noun

1. an expression of mockery, derision, doubt, or derisive scorn; jeer.

   Antonyms: praise

2. an object of mockery or derision.

scoff

²

[skawf, skof]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to eat voraciously.

noun

1. food; grub.

scoff

¹

/ skɒf /

verb

1. to speak contemptuously (about); express derision (for); mock

2. obsolete,  (tr) to regard with derision

noun

1. an expression of derision

2. an object of derision

scoff

²

/ skɒf /

verb

1. to eat (food) fast and greedily; devour

noun

1. food or rations

Other Word Forms

• scoffer noun
• scoffingly adverb
• scoffing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scoff¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English scof; origin uncertain, but compare Old Norse skopa “to scorn”

Origin of scoff²

First recorded in 1855–60; earlier scaff; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of scoff¹

C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Old Frisian skof mockery, Danish skof, skuf jest

Origin of scoff²

C19: variant of scaff food; related to Afrikaans, Dutch schoft quarter of the day, one of the four daily meals

Synonym Study

Scoff, jeer, sneer imply behaving with scornful disapproval toward someone or about something. To scoff is to express insolent doubt or derision, openly and emphatically: to scoff at a new invention. To jeer suggests expressing disapproval and scorn more loudly, coarsely, and unintelligently than in scoffing: The crowd jeered when the batter struck out. To sneer is to show by facial expression or tone of voice ill-natured contempt or disparagement: He sneered unpleasantly in referring to his opponent's misfortunes.

Example Sentences

“Before retail was scoffed at. Now we’re a huge voice in how markets work.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On Wednesday, before the Dodgers lost their only game this postseason, third baseman Max Muncy scoffed at the notion the team was hitting on all cylinders.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He scoffed at reports that cite unnamed sources suggesting Colbert’s show was on track to lose $40 million this year.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To grab it, they rarely drink, scoff at work-life balance and are locked in a 24-7 competition to be, or appear to be, the most obsessed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But he and his neighbors scoffed as public officials sidestepped questions why that fire’s embers were not completely extinguished.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• belittle 
• deride 
• jeer 
• mock 
• reject 
• ridicule 
• scorn 
• sneer