scoff
1[ skawf, skof ]
/ skɔf, skɒf /
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of scoff
1First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English scof; origin uncertain, but compare Old Norse skopa “to scorn”
synonym study for scoff
1. 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.
OTHER WORDS FROM scoff
scoff·er, nounscoff·ing·ly, adverbOther definitions for scoff (2 of 2)
scoff2
[ skawf, skof ]
/ skɔf, skɒf /
verb (used with or without object)
to eat voraciously.
noun
food; grub.
Origin of scoff
2First recorded in 1855–60; earlier scaff; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use scoff in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for scoff (1 of 2)
scoff1
/ (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
Derived forms of scoff
scoffer, nounscoffing, adjectivescoffingly, adverbWord Origin for scoff
C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Old Frisian skof mockery, Danish skof, skuf jest
British Dictionary definitions for scoff (2 of 2)
scoff2
/ (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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012