flout

[flout]

verb (used with object)

1. to treat with disdain, scorn, or contempt; scoff at; mock.

   to flout the rules of propriety.

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

/ flaʊt /

verb

1. to show contempt (for); scoff or jeer (at)

Confusables Note

See flaunt.

Other Word Forms

• flouter noun
• floutingly adverb
• unflouted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flout¹

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of flout¹

C16: perhaps from Middle English flouten to play the flute, from Old French flauter compare Dutch fluiten ; see _flute

Example Sentences

Beckmann said the situation is a “particularly perilous historical moment because we have a president willing to flout constitutional limits while Congress and the court have been willing to accept pretext as principle.”

From Los Angeles Times

It has been flouted in recent years with the encouragement of Ben-Gvir.

From BBC

“Jurisdictions like Los Angeles that flout federal law by prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens are undermining law enforcement at every level,” Bondi said in a June statement.

From Los Angeles Times

“The majority has broken with our precedent and flouted the Supreme Court’s guidance.”

From Los Angeles Times

This regulation, Ms Pike says, is increasingly being flouted, with Trading Standards officers seizing thousands of illegal products across the UK.

From BBC

Related Words

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