scofflaw
Definition
Noun: A person who habitually disobeys the law, especially one who ignores minor laws, regulations, or official court summonses.
Usage
The term "scofflaw" specifically describes a person who shows contempt for the law by repeatedly and knowingly violating it. It often refers to violations like ignoring parking tickets, not paying fines, or failing to respond to court orders.
Examples
- The city published a list of the top ten parking scofflaws who owed thousands in unpaid tickets.
- He was labeled a scofflaw for consistently ignoring building codes and safety regulations.
- The judge warned the chronic scofflaw that further failure to appear in court would result in arrest.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The word "scofflaw" was coined in 1924 during American Prohibition as part of a national contest to create a word for "a lawless drinker of illegally made or illegally obtained liquor." While its original context is historical, its meaning has broadened to include any habitual violator of laws.
- Societal Connotation: Using "scofflaw" often implies a judgment of the person's character, suggesting they are not just a one-time offender but someone who willfully and persistently flouts rules society is expected to follow.
Variants and Related Words
- Scoff (verb): To speak about something in a scornfully derisive or mocking way. This is the root verb from which "scofflaw" is partially derived (scoff + law).
- He would always scoff at the rules.
- Lawbreaker (noun): A more general term for someone who violates the law.
Synonyms
- Offender
- Delinquent
- Malefactor (more formal/literary)
- Transgressor
Antonyms
- Law-abider
- Law-abiding citizen
Related Idioms/Phrases
- To flout the law: To openly disregard or show contempt for the law. This phrase describes the action a scofflaw takes.
- The company continued to flout environmental laws.
Noun
-
one who habitually ignores the law and does not answer court summonses
