flout

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "flout" is correct and can be used in written English.
To "flout" means to blatantly disregard or disobey a rule or convention. For example, "The criminal flouted the law by speeding through an intersection without stopping."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We should come down hard on people who flout the rules, but we should not assume that everyone will do so".

The Guardian

However, once again, the UK government shows that it is willing to publicly flout international law, if the rule of law gets in the way of its political objectives.

The Guardian - Opinion

This elegant raptor is currently the subject of a heated debate between conservationists and the owners of grouse moors and their gamekeepers, many of whom continue to flout the law by killing these majestic birds of prey.

The Guardian

"This penalty should be a turning point, sending a clear message to those determined to flout our laws that wildlife crime will not be tolerated but instead will be treated with the seriousness that it deserves.

The Guardian

Rathke also criticized the Kremlin over Ukraine, saying "Russia has continued to fuel the conflict in south-east Ukraine" and that "the combined Russian and separatist forces continued to flout" truce terms.

The Guardian - Sport

Should either Jordan or Victoria flout the prevalent doctrine of mutually assured destruction in the coming weeks, tectonic shifts beneath the city would very likely toss up another natural disaster, opening a gaping chasm that would swallow both these precious entertainment personalities.

The Guardian

Often a group sets rules to safeguard the resource; they then take turns to monitor behaviour and punish those who flout the club's rules.

The Economist

They flout most of the basic rules of democracy.

The Economist

Although he appears not to want to flout the constitution by trying to run in the presidential election, due on April 5th, he is desperately looking for ways to preserve what he sees as his legacy, including securing his family's interests and being able to stay safely in Afghanistan once he has left office.

The Economist

Clubs that flout this will be subject to punishments ranging from a warning to a fine to being banned from European competitions.

The Economist

The Taba deal enjoyed and enjoys the support of the Israeli peace camp, but not of the present Israeli government.Palestinian analysts believe that Mr Arafat will be able to persuade most Palestinians to support a ceasefire and to punish those who flout it provided he can show them tangible changes on the ground in the PA areas and a political hope on the horizon.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject actively disregards the rule, rather than unintentionally failing to comply.

Common error

Avoid confusing "flout", which means to disregard or disobey, with "flaunt", which means to show off or display something ostentatiously. They have different meanings and connotations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flout" is as a verb. It describes the action of openly disregarding a rule, law, or convention. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is considered correct and well-supported by numerous examples in diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flout" is a verb that means to openly disregard or disobey a rule or law. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage is correct and provides numerous examples from diverse sources, primarily within the realm of News & Media. It is often used to express criticism or disapproval of a deliberate act of defiance. When using "flout", ensure you are emphasizing a blatant and contemptuous disregard for established norms. Remember to avoid confusing "flout" with "flaunt", and choose synonyms such as "disregard" or "defy" to enrich your writing. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use the word "flout" to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disregard

Focuses on ignoring or paying no attention to rules or conventions.

defy

Implies open resistance or bold disobedience.

violate

Suggests a more formal or legal breach of rules.

breach

Indicates a break or failure to observe a law or agreement.

disobey

Directly refers to not following commands or rules.

ignore

Implies a deliberate act of overlooking or disregarding something.

scorn

Emphasizes contempt or disdain for rules or authority.

trample on

Suggests forceful and disrespectful disregard.

circumvent

Implies finding a way to avoid rules without technically breaking them.

evade

Suggests cleverly escaping or avoiding compliance.

FAQs

How to use "flout" in a sentence?

The word "flout" is used to indicate a blatant disregard for rules or conventions. For example, "The company continued to flout environmental regulations despite repeated warnings."

What can I say instead of "flout"?

You can use alternatives like "disregard", "defy", or "violate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "flout the rules" or "flaunt the rules"?

"Flout the rules" is correct when you mean to openly disregard them. "Flaunt the rules" is incorrect; "flaunt" means to show off.

What's the difference between "flout" and "defy"?

"Flout" implies contemptuous disregard, while "defy" suggests open resistance or challenge. "Flout" focuses on disregarding, while "defy" focuses on opposing.