I. ˈskäf, ˈskȯf noun
Etymology: Middle English scof, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to obsolete Danish skof jest; akin to Old Frisian skof mockery
Date: 14th century
1. : an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt : gibe
2. : an object of scorn, mockery, or derision
II. verb
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
: to show contempt by derisive acts or language
scoff ed at the idea
transitive verb
: to treat or address with derision : mock
• scoff·er noun
Synonyms:
scoff , jeer , gibe , fleer , sneer , flout mean to show one's contempt in derision or mockery. scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision
scoffed at their concerns
jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision
the crowd jeered at the prisoners
gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision
hooted and gibed at the umpire
fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively
the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity
sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice
sneered at anything romantic
flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed
flouted the conventions of polite society
III. verb
Etymology: alteration of dialect scaff to eat greedily
Date: 1846
transitive verb
1. : to eat greedily
scoff ed dinner
2. : seize — often used with up
scoff ed up the free gifts
intransitive verb
: to eat something greedily