scoff
1 of 3noun
ˈskäf 
ˈskȯf
1
: an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt : gibe
2
: an object of scorn, mockery, or derision
scoff
2 of 3verb (1)
scoffed; scoffing; scoffs
intransitive verb
: to show contempt by derisive acts or language
scoffed at the idea
transitive verb
: to treat or address with derision : mock
scoffer noun
scoff
3 of 3verb (2)
scoffed; scoffing; scoffs
transitive verb
1
: to eat greedily
scoffed dinner
2
: seize —often used with up
scoffed up the free gifts
intransitive verb
: to eat something greedily
Synonyms
Verb (2)
- bolt
- cram
- devour
- glut [archaic]
- gobble
- gorge
- gormandize
- gulp
- ingurgitate
- inhale
- raven
- scarf
- slop
- wolf
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English scof, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to obsolete Danish skof jest; akin to Old Frisian skof mockery
Verb (2)
alteration of dialect scaff to eat greedily
First Known Use
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb (1)
14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense
Verb (2)
1846, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Kids Definition
scoff
verb
ˈskäf
ˈskȯf
scoffed; scoffing
: to show great disrespect with mocking laughter or behavior
People once scoffed at the idea of space travel.
scoffer
noun
as in scorner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- scorner
- insulter
- detractor
- mocker
- decrier
- jeerer
- derider
- taunter
- denigrator
- heckler
- giber
- tormentor
- harasser
- jiber
- belittler
- needler
- persecutor
- faultfinder
- criticizer
- nitpicker
- critic
- knocker
- tease
- censurer
- ridiculer
- baiter
- carper
- teaser
- caviler
- disparager
- hypercritic
- niggler
- castigator
- caviller
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- praiser
- comforter
- soother
- solace
- champion
- commender
- bodyguard
- succorer