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.
ANTONYMS FOR scoff
3
praise.
OTHER WORDS FROM scoff
scoff·er, noun scoff·ing·ly, adverbWords nearby scoff
sclerotomy,
sclerotylosis,
sclerous,
scm,
scody,
scoff,
scofflaw,
scofield,
scoinson arch,
scoke,
scold
Example sentences from the Web for scoffers
British Dictionary definitions for scoffers (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, adverbWord Origin for scoff
C14: probably from Scandinavian; compare Old Frisian
skof mockery, Danish
skof, skuf jest
British Dictionary definitions for scoffers (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