scofflaw
5
9.9
- noun
- /ˈskɔːf.lɔː/
- US
:
infractor
- Is he also not a scofflaw when it comes to obeying DC/MD vehicle registration laws?
- scofflaw drivers
- naming and shaming scofflaws
Examples
-
The press publishes this information, characterizes the managers as "scofflaws," and demands immediate action.
Academic text (1993) -
Probably in the computer as a scofflaw, he may have an arrest warrant for those five unpaid tickets by now.
Blog text (7) -
Get me the radar reading and I'll show you how we deal with scofflaws.
Fiction book (1994) -
Some will argue that technology like this will only be used by scofflaws wishing to run red lights.
Blog text (20) -
It's high time to crack down on these scofflaws regardless of their station of privilege or color.
Blog text (1) -
Do employer sanctions hurt corporate scofflaws, or just minority job applicants?
Academic text (1993) -
Meanwhile, as Seattle Weekly points out, parking scofflaws currently owe $52 million to the city—a figure that dwarfs parking-fine revenues.
Blog text (2) -
The city council proposed stricter penalties for scofflaws who repeatedly ignore traffic regulations.
-
Many scofflaws evade fines by ignoring their court dates and breaking the law without consequence.
-
After several warnings, the park ranger decided to issue citations to the scofflaws who parked illegally.
Synonyms
20
7.9
A person who avoids duties and rules by lying or tricking others
19
5.1
A person who breaks a law or other rule
11
3.8
A person who does things that are against the law
A person who openly breaks rules or shows no respect for people in charge
A person who breaks the law
How Lawless
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word scofflaw was invented in a 1920s newspaper contest by joining scoff ('to mock') and law, creating the image of someone who 'mocks the law'. That's why a scofflaw means a person who ignores or breaks legal rules.