Definition

1. Noun:

   • Contempt expressed by mockery in looks or words: A "fleer" is a facial expression or a spoken remark that shows scorn or derision, often through a sneer or mocking smile.
   • Someone who flees from an uncongenial situation: A "fleer" is a person who runs away from an unpleasant or hostile environment.

2. Verb:

   • To smirk contemptuously: To "fleer" means to laugh or smile in a scornful, mocking, or derisive manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Expression of contempt):

  • His constant fleers during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.
  • She responded to the criticism with a dismissive fleer.

• Noun (Person who flees):

  • The fleers from the oppressive regime sought asylum abroad.
  • The factory was left empty, a haven only for the fleers.

• Verb:

  • The bully would fleer at the younger students.
  • Do not fleer at their attempts; they are trying their best.

Advanced Usage

• As a literary or archaic term: The verb "to fleer" is now rare and considered literary or archaic. It is most often encountered in historical texts or poetic language to describe a scornful expression.
  • The villain fleered at the hero's noble speech.

Variants and Related Words

• Flee (verb): To run away from a place or situation of danger. This is the more common verb from which the noun "fleer" (meaning a person who flees) is derived.
  • The citizens had to flee the advancing army.

Synonyms

• Noun (Expression): Sneer, scoff, jeer, gibe, mockery.
• Noun (Person): Fugitive, runaway, escapee, deserter.
• Verb: Sneer, scoff, mock, scorn, deride.

Related Phrases

• To give a fleer: To direct a mocking look or expression at someone.
  • He gave her a fleer before turning away.

Notes on Usage

• The noun form meaning "a person who flees" is less common than the meaning related to a scornful expression.
• The verb "to fleer" is largely obsolete in modern everyday English but may be used for stylistic effect in writing.

Noun

1. contempt expressed by mockery in looks or words
2. someone who flees from an uncongenial situation
   • fugitives from the sweatshops

Verb

1. to smirk contemptuously