What does flout mean?
Flout means (transitive) To express contempt for (laws, rules, etc.) by word or action..
Flout
/flaʊt/ · verb
Meaning
(transitive) To express contempt for (laws, rules, etc.) by word or action..
Definitions by Sense
- (transitive) To express contempt for (laws, rules, etc.) by word or action.
- (transitive, archaic) To scorn.
- The act by which something is flouted; violation of a law.
- A mockery or insult.
Example Sentences
The manoeuvres of Microsoft and HP appear to comply with the letter of the regulations, even if they flout their spirit.
Of necessity[…] the duty to comply with the rules designed to spare civilians as much as possible the hazards of war is absolute, not contingent on the behavior of opponents. The Israeli government already seems to be flouting those rules.
Yet all ' s not worth a pin, But could not get her; Phillida flouts me. Dick had her to the Vine
Three gaudy standards flout the pale blue sky.
A flout is when someone deliberately and ostentatiously contravenes a maxim.
Synonyms for flout
Antonyms for flout
Related Words
Word Forms
- flouts
- flouting
- flouted
Usage Notes
Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.
Practice and Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a synonym for flout?
Common synonyms include fleer, jeer, flout, gird.
What is the opposite of flout?
The opposite depends on the specific sense.
How do you use flout in a sentence?
The manoeuvres of Microsoft and HP appear to comply with the letter of the regulations, even if they flout their spirit.
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.