Definition

1. Verb:
   • To openly and contemptuously disregard or show disrespect for a rule, law, convention, or authority.
   • To mock, scoff at, or treat with scornful contempt.

Usage

The verb "flout" is used to describe a deliberate and often public act of defiance or mockery. It implies not just breaking a rule, but doing so in a way that shows you do not respect it. It is typically followed by the object being disregarded (e.g., a rule, advice, tradition) or used with "at" when mocking a person or idea.

Examples

• Disregarding rules/authority:
  • The company continued to flout environmental regulations.
  • He flouted the court's order and left the country.
• Mocking or showing contempt:
  • The protesters flouted the mayor's authority by holding their rally in front of city hall.
  • She flouted at the very idea that she needed help.

Advanced Usage

• "to flout convention": to deliberately behave in a way that is different from what is traditionally accepted.
  • The artist flouted convention with her unconventional techniques.
• The act of flouting often carries a sense of provocation, intending to show that the rule or person is not worthy of respect.

Variants and Related Words

• Flouter (n): a person who flouts.
  • He was known as a flouter of tradition.

Synonyms

• Defy: to refuse to obey or respect.
• Disregard: to pay no attention to; ignore.
• Mock: to tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner.
• Scoff: to speak about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way.

Antonyms

• Obey: to comply with the command, direction, or request of.
• Respect: to have due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of.
• Honor: to regard with great respect or fulfill (an obligation).

Related Phrases

• To flout the law: to openly disobey or show contempt for the law.
  • Driving at twice the speed limit is a blatant way to flout the law.
• To flout authority: to openly disrespect or defy those in power.
  • The rebels sought to flout the king's authority at every turn.

Verb

1. laugh at with contempt and derision
   • The crowd jeered at the speaker
2. treat with contemptuous disregard
   • flout the rules