spurn

[ spurn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to reject with disdain; scorn.

   Antonyms: accept

2. to treat with contempt; despise.
3. to kick or trample with the foot.

verb (used without object)

1. to show disdain or contempt; scorn something.

noun

1. disdainful rejection.
2. contemptuous treatment.

   Synonyms: contumely

3. a kick.

spurn

/ spɜːn /

verb

1. to reject (a person or thing) with contempt
2. archaic.
   whenintr, often foll by against to kick (at)

noun

1. an instance of spurning
2. archaic.
   a kick or thrust

Derived Forms

• ˈspurner, noun

Other Words From

• spurn·er noun
• out·spurn verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of spurn¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; (verb) Middle English spurnen, Old English spurnan; cognate with Old Saxon, Old High German spurnan, Old Norse sporna “to kick”; akin to Latin spernere “to put away”; (noun) Middle English: “a kick, contemptuous stroke,” derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of spurn¹

Old English spurnan; related to Old Norse sporna, Old High German spurnan, Latin spernere to despise, Lithuanian spiriu to kick

Synonym Study

See refuse ¹.

Example Sentences

While Netanyahu still has the fealty of most of his Cabinet, including the far-right figures who insist on continuing an all-out war, the country’s security establishment — notably his defense minister, Yoav Gallant — has publicly questioned his negotiating stance, accusing him in essence of searching for excuses to spurn a deal.

From Los Angeles Times

Florida State: You’ll find the Seminoles closer to the top here than in other post-spring forecasts, largely because of our faith in coach Mike Norvell to turn the playoff spurn into seasonlong emotional propulsion.

From Seattle Times

He still felt he could win and he did not want to spurn the opportunity.

From BBC

But on his right flank, he is facing a band of hard-line Republicans demanding that he hold out for conservative priorities and spurn Ukraine’s calls for help, or risk being booted from the speakership.

From New York Times

Every chicken breast and milk carton you spurn lowers the demand on industries responsible for egregious environmental harm – and spares countless animal lives from needless suffering.

From Salon

Related Words

• despise
• disdain
• dismiss
• disregard
• flout
• rebuff
• refuse
• reject
• repudiate
• scorn
• snub
• turn down