scoff

1
[ skawf, skof ]
/ skɔf, skɒf /

verb (used without object)

to speak derisively; mock; jeer (often followed by at): If you can't do any better, don't scoff. Their efforts toward a peaceful settlement are not to be scoffed at.

verb (used with object)

to mock at; deride.

noun

an expression of mockery, derision, doubt, or derisive scorn; jeer.
an object of mockery or derision.

Origin of scoff

1
1300–50; Middle English scof; origin uncertain, but compare Old Norse skopa to scorn

SYNONYMS FOR scoff

1 gibe. Scoff, jeer, sneer imply behaving with scornful disapproval toward someone or about something. To scoff is to express insolent doubt or derision, openly and emphatically: to scoff at a new invention. To jeer suggests expressing disapproval and scorn more loudly, coarsely, and unintelligently than in scoffing: The crowd jeered when the batter struck out. To sneer is to show by facial expression or tone of voice ill-natured contempt or disparagement: He sneered unpleasantly in referring to his opponent's misfortunes.

OTHER WORDS FROM scoff

scoff·er, noun scoff·ing·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for scoffer

British Dictionary definitions for scoffer (1 of 2)

scoff 1
/ (skɒf) /

verb

(intr often foll by at) to speak contemptuously (about); express derision (for); mock
(tr) obsolete to regard with derision

noun

an expression of derision
an object of derision

Derived forms of scoff

scoffer, noun scoffing, adjective scoffingly, adverb

Word Origin for scoff

C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Old Frisian skof mockery, Danish skof, skuf jest

British Dictionary definitions for scoffer (2 of 2)

scoff 2
/ (skɒf) informal, mainly British /

verb

to eat (food) fast and greedily; devour

noun

food or rations

Word Origin for scoff

C19: variant of scaff food; related to Afrikaans, Dutch schoft quarter of the day, one of the four daily meals