flaunt

[ flawnt ]
/ flɔnt /

verb (used without object)

to parade or display oneself conspicuously, defiantly, or boldly.
to wave conspicuously in the air.

verb (used with object)

to parade or display ostentatiously: to flaunt one's wealth.
to ignore or treat with disdain: He was expelled for flaunting military regulations.

noun

the act of flaunting.
Obsolete. something flaunted.

Origin of flaunt

1560–70; of obscure origin; compare Norwegian dialect flanta to show off

SYNONYMS FOR flaunt

3 flourish, exhibit, vaunt, show off.

usage note for flaunt

4. The use of flaunt to mean “to ignore or treat with disdain” ( He flaunts community standards with his behavior ) is strongly objected to by many usage guides, which insist that only flout can properly express this meaning. From its earliest appearance in English in the 16th century, flaunt has had the meanings “to display oneself conspicuously, defiantly, or boldly” in public and “to parade or display ostentatiously.” These senses approach those of flout, which dates from about the same period: “to treat with disdain, scorn, or contempt; scoff at; mock.” A sentence like Once secure in his new social position, he was able to flaunt his lower-class origins can thus be ambiguous in current English. Considering the similarity in pronunciation of the two words, it is not surprising that flaunt has assumed the meanings of flout and that this use has appeared in the speech and edited writing of even well-educated, literate persons. Nevertheless, many regard the senses of flaunt and flout as entirely unrelated and concerned speakers and writers still continue to keep them separate.

OTHER WORDS FROM flaunt

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH flaunt

flaunt flout (see usage note at the current entry)

Example sentences from the Web for flaunt

British Dictionary definitions for flaunt

flaunt
/ (flɔːnt) /

verb

to display (possessions, oneself, etc) ostentatiously; show off
to wave or cause to wave freely; flutter

noun

the act of flaunting

Derived forms of flaunt

flaunter, noun flauntingly, adverb

Word Origin for flaunt

C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare Norwegian dialect flanta to wander about

usage for flaunt

Flaunt is sometimes wrongly used where flout is meant: they must be prevented from flouting (not flaunting) the law