scoff

I. noun Etymology: Middle English scof, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to obsolete Danish skof jest; akin to Old Frisian skof mockery Date: 14th century 1. an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt ; gibe 2. an object of scorn, mockery, or derision II. verb Date: 14th century intransitive verb to show contempt by derisive acts or language <

scoffed at the idea

> transitive verb to treat or address with derision ; mock • scoffer noun Synonyms: scoff, jeer, gibe, fleer, sneer, flout mean to show one's contempt in derision or mockery. scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision <

scoffed at their concerns

>. jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision <

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

>. gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision <

hooted and gibed at the umpire

>. fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively <

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

>. sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice <

sneered at anything romantic

>. flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed <

flouted the conventions of polite society

>. III. verb Etymology: alteration of dialect scaff to eat greedily Date: 1846 transitive verb 1. to eat greedily <

scoffed dinner

> 2. seize — often used with up <

scoffed up the free gifts

> intransitive verb to eat something greedily