flout

/flʌʊt/

Group 1Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(verb)
To openly disregard a rule, law, or convention
GRE

Example in Context

Companies that flout environmental regulations will face penalties severe enough to eliminate any financial incentive for noncompliance.

Synonyms

ignoredefydisregard

Etymology

To mock or scorn rules by ignoring them openly.

  • flouten (Middle English) — to mock

Memory Aid

🕊️Sounds like “flap out

Picture a bird FLAPPING OUT its wings as it ignores a 'No Flying' sign — what a FLOUT!

Visual Association

🚫A rebellious bird soaring through the sky, defiantly flying past a 'No Flying' sign.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Confusable Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “flout” mean on the GRE?

flout (verb) means “To openly disregard a rule, law, or convention”. Companies that flout environmental regulations will face penalties severe enough to eliminate any financial incentive for noncompliance.

How to remember “flout” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “flout” sounds like “flap out”. Picture a bird FLAPPING OUT its wings as it ignores a 'No Flying' sign — what a FLOUT!

What are synonyms for “flout”?

Common synonyms: ignore, defy, disregard.