demur

[ dih-mur ]

verb (used without object)

, de·murred, de·mur·ring.

1. to make objection, especially on the grounds of scruples; take exception; object:

   They wanted to make him the treasurer, but he demurred.

   Antonyms: assent, accede, agree, acquiesce

2. Law. to interpose a demurrer.
3. Archaic. to linger; hesitate.

noun

1. the act of making objection.
2. an objection raised.

   Synonyms: misgiving, qualm, scruple

3. hesitation.
4. Law: Obsolete. a demurrer.

demur

/ dɪˈmɜː /

verb

1. to raise objections or show reluctance; object
2. law to raise an objection by entering a demurrer
3. archaic.
   to hesitate; delay

noun

1. the act of demurring
2. an objection raised
3. archaic.
   hesitation

Derived Forms

• deˈmurrable, adjective

Other Words From

• de·murra·ble adjective
• unde·murring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of demur¹

1175–1225; Middle English demuren < Anglo-French demurer, Old French demorer < Latin dēmorārī to linger, equivalent to dē- de- + morārī to delay, derivative of mora delay

Word History and Origins

Origin of demur¹

C13: from Old French demorer, from Latin dēmorārī to loiter, linger, from morārī to delay, from mora a delay

Example Sentences

Discovery Chief Executive David Zaslav demurred when asked this summer whom he supported for president, saying he preferred someone who would pave the way for more consolidation.

From Los Angeles Times

Burton demurs when asked about what he wants to shoot next.

From BBC

Asked by a reporter if he denounced the bomb threats, he demurred.

From Salon

Asked if these relationships could lead to bipartisan legislation, Garcia demurred.

From Los Angeles Times

Fitzpatrick, for his part, has demurred on whether he would endorse Trump for a second term or not, and Democrats have criticized him for hedging.

From Salon

Related Words

• hesitate
• vacillate
• waver