scoff

/ˈskäf/

Middle English scof, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to obsolete Danish skof jest; akin to Old Frisian skof mockery

noun

  1. an expression of scorn, derision, or contempt : gibe

  2. an object of scorn, mockery, or derision

verb

  1. to show contempt by derisive acts or language

  2. to treat or address with derision : mock

scoffed at the idea

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. jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

verb

  1. to eat greedily

  2. seize —often used with up

  3. to eat something greedily

scoffed dinner