scoff
1[ skawf, skof ]
/ skɔf, skɒf /
verb (used without object)
to speak derisively; mock; jeer (often followed by at): If you can't do any better, don't scoff. Their efforts toward a peaceful settlement are not to be scoffed at.
verb (used with object)
to mock at; deride.
noun
an expression of mockery, derision, doubt, or derisive scorn; jeer.
an object of mockery or derision.
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Nearby words
Origin of scoff
11300–50; Middle English scof; origin uncertain, but compare Old Norse skopa to scorn
SYNONYMS FOR scoff
1. gibe. 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for scoffer
scoff
1/ (skɒf) /
verb
(intr often foll by at) to speak contemptuously (about); express derision (for); mock
(tr) obsolete to regard with derision
noun
an expression of derision
an object of derision
Word Origin for scoff
C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Old Frisian skof mockery, Danish skof, skuf jest
scoff
2/ (skɒf) informal, mainly British /
verb
to eat (food) fast and greedily; devour
noun
food or rations
Word Origin for scoff
C19: variant of scaff food; related to Afrikaans, Dutch schoft quarter of the day, one of the four daily meals
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper