flaunt
UK[flɔːnt]US[flɑːnt]
v
to display (something) ostentatiously, especially in order to provoke envy or admiration or to show defiance.
v
to wave or flutter showily.
Etymology
the origin of 'flaunt' is uncertain, but it first appeared in english in the mid-16th century. it is possibly related to norwegian dialect 'flanta' ('to show off') or swedish dialect 'flanka' ('to waver'). the core semantic thread from its obscure beginnings is one of conspicuous, often insubordinate, display. the word's journey into english reflects a borrowing that filled a niche for describing a specific kind of bold, showy behavior, distinct from simply 'showing'. its meaning has remained remarkably stable, consistently conveying an act of deliberate and sometimes defiant exhibition.
Analysis
this word is considered a simplex form. it is of obscure origin, likely from a dialectal source, and does not lend itself to segmentation into productive morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
she liked to flaunt her wealth by wearing expensive jewelry.
the team flaunted the championship trophy during the victory parade.
he openly flaunted the rules, much to the annoyance of the authorities.