verb / noun

scoff

SKAHF/skɑːf/

An expression of contempt or disbelief through ridicule.

She scoffs at the suggestion with a raised eyebrow and dismissive gesture.

An older woman responds to an older man's earnest suggestion with plainly mocking disbelief: she speaks with a crooked sneer, raised eyebrow, and dismissive palm while he pauses mid-gesture.

Etymology

The word comes from a Scandinavian term for mockery, such as Old Norse skaup. Its English verb sense moved from jesting or making light of something to contemptuous ridicule.

In context

Dronetek161:04

I mean that's just how it is I I used to scoff at the comparison of the police to gangs now I get it

LIVE DEBATE: Are Cops Being Weaponized Against The Left's Opponents + Above The Law Hunter Biden

More examples

Her reply ends in a dismissive scoff.
The critics scoffed before seeing the finished design.
She refuses to scoff at an idea without considering it.

Forms

scoff · scoffs · scoffed · scoffing

Similar words

mock: Can ridicule without specifically expressing disbelief.
jeer: Jeer mocks openly, often by shouting; scoff emphasizes dismissive contempt or disbelief.