Word: flout (verb)

Associations

The word "flout" means to openly ignore or show disrespect for a rule, law, or custom. It is often used when someone deliberately disobeys something important.

• The company flouted safety regulations, risking employee health. Here, "flout" means the company ignored safety rules on purpose.
• She flouted the dress code by wearing casual clothes to the formal event. This means she did not follow the rules about what to wear.
• Many people flout traffic laws, such as running red lights. This shows people breaking the law openly.

A well-known synonym is "disobey," but "flout" usually implies open, bold disrespect, not just simple disobedience. For example, "disobey" can be quiet or accidental, but "flout" is more about showing off that you don’t care about the rule.

Substitution

Instead of "flout," you can say:

• ignore (less strong, just not paying attention)
• defy (stronger, actively opposing)
• violate (more formal, breaking a rule or law) Each changes the feeling a bit. "Flout" is more about bold disrespect.

Deconstruction

"Flout" comes from Middle English, possibly from Old Norse "flota," meaning to float or move lightly, but its meaning changed over time to mean mocking or showing contempt. There is no prefix or suffix in this word; it is a simple verb.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when someone flouted a rule or custom you found important?
• How does flouting a rule differ from accidentally breaking it?
• Why do you think people sometimes flout rules openly instead of following them?