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.
scoffers
noun
as in scorners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- scorners
- detractors
- mockers
- insulters
- decriers
- denigrators
- jeerers
- deriders
- hecklers
- gibers
- jibers
- tormentors
- harassers
- taunters
- belittlers
- persecutors
- needlers
- criticizers
- faultfinders
- nitpickers
- critics
- ridiculers
- carpers
- disparagers
- knockers
- teasers
- cavillers
- baiters
- teases
- censurers
- cavilers
- hypercritics
- nigglers
- castigators
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- praisers
- comforters
- solaces
- soothers
- commenders
- champions
- bodyguards
- succorers
- live large
- live life on the edge
- live life to the full
- live life to the full/fullest
- live life to the fullest
- live load
- live oak
- live off
- live off the fat of the land
- live off the land
- live off/on the fat of the land
- live on
- live on (something)
- live on borrowed time
- live on something
- live on the edge
- live on the fat of the land
- live on the street
- live on the street(s)
- live on the streets
- live one's own life
- live out
- live out (something)
- live out something
- live parking