flirt (flûrt)

v., flirt·ed, flirt·ing, flirts.

v.intr.

1. To make playfully romantic or sexual overtures.
2. To deal playfully, triflingly, or superficially with: flirt with danger.
3. To move abruptly or jerkily.

v.tr.

1. To toss or flip suddenly.
2. To move quickly.

n.

1. One given to flirting.
2. An abrupt jerking movement.

[Origin unknown.]

flirty flirt'y adj.

SYNONYMS   flirt, dally, play, toy, trifle. These verbs mean to deal lightly, casually, or flippantly with someone or something: flirted with the idea of getting a job; dallying with music; can't play with life; toyed with the problem; a person not to be trifled with.

---

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

---