scoff

/skɔf/

/skɒf/

Other forms: scoffed; scoffing; scoffs

To laugh at someone with scorn is to scoff at them. People have scoffed at many great inventors, saying their products would flop because the public wouldn't be interested in things like the light bulb, the personal computer, or the pet rock.

The verb scoff is often followed by the word at ("scoff at the idea; scoff at the statement; scoff at the notion"). The verb can also mean to treat with contempt or to mock. Naysayers scoff at all kinds of theories, and grouchy old men tend to scoff for the heck of it.

Definitions of scoff

1. verb

   laugh at with contempt and derision
   synonyms: barrack, flout, gibe, jeer

   type of:

   bait, cod, rag, rally, razz, ride, tantalise, tantalize, taunt, tease, twit

   harass with persistent criticism or carping
2. verb

   treat with contemptuous disregard
   synonyms: flout

   type of:

   brush aside, brush off, discount, dismiss, disregard, ignore, push aside

   bar from attention or consideration
3. noun

   showing your contempt by derision
   synonyms: jeer, jeering, mockery, scoffing

   type of:

   derision

   contemptuous laughter