scoff Definition
- 1to speak or behave in a mocking way
- 2to eat something quickly and greedily
Using scoff: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "scoff" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He scoffed at my suggestion.
Example
She scoffed the whole cake in one go.
Example
The critics scoffed at his work, calling it amateurish.
Example
Don't scoff at me just because you disagree.
scoff Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using scoff
Example
The comedian had the audience scoffing their heads off with his hilarious jokes.
Example
The firefighters scoffed in the face of danger and rescued the trapped family from the burning building.
Example
Many people scoffed at the notion of space travel, but now it's a reality.
Phrases with scoff
Example
He scoffed at my idea, saying it was ridiculous.
Example
She scoffed down her breakfast and rushed out the door.
a person who habitually flouts or violates the law
Example
The city is cracking down on scofflaws who park illegally.
Origins of scoff
from Old Norse 'skauph', meaning 'mockery'
Summary: scoff in Brief
'Scoff' [skɒf] is a verb that means to mock or ridicule someone or something, or to eat something quickly and greedily. It can be used in phrases like 'scoff at,' which means to mock or ridicule, and 'scoff down,' which means to eat quickly. Idioms include 'scoff one's head off,' meaning to laugh uncontrollably, and 'scoff in the face of danger,' meaning to act fearlessly. The formal equivalents of 'scoff' are 'ridicule' and 'deride.'
