flout

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to openly disregard a rule, law, or convention with contempt

   Drivers who flout the speed limit endanger everyone on the road.

Simplified etymology

Flout appeared in the mid-16th century and may come from Dutch fluiten, “whistle, play the flute, or hiss derisively.” A comparable German dialect expression literally means “pipe at.” Flout is unrelated to flaunt, whose origin is unknown.

Of uncertain origin, attested from the 16th century; possibly from Middle English flouten ('to play the flute'), used contemptuously, or related to Dutch fluiten ('to whistle, jeer').

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