flout
flout Lexical Profile
flout Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To openly disregard or defy (a rule, law, or convention).
"Several companies were heavily fined for continuing to flout environmental safety regulations."
To mock, scoff, or jeer at someone or something in a contemptuous manner.
"Unruly spectators began to flout and jeer at the referee's controversial decision."
• noun
A mocking, insulting, or contemptuous remark or action.
"The critic's latest review was dismissed by the author as a petty flout rather than serious analysis."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'flout' (to openly disregard a rule or convention) with 'flaunt' (to display something ostentatiously). One flouts the law, or flaunts one's disrespect for it.
• Rhymes for flout
Word Origin & Etymology
Dating back to the mid-16th century, 'flout' is likely derived from the Middle English verb 'flouten' (to play the flute), or from the Middle Dutch 'fluiten' (to play the flute, jeer, or mock).