demur

American  

[dih-mur] / dɪˈmɜr /

verb (used without object)

demurred, demurring

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.

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noun

1. the act of making objection.

2. an objection raised.

   Synonyms:

   misgiving, qualm, scruple

3. hesitation.

4. Law: Obsolete. a demurrer.

demur British  

/ 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

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noun

1. the act of demurring

2. an objection raised

3. archaic hesitation

Other Word Forms

• demurrable adjective
• undemurring adjective

Etymology

Origin of demur

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

Example Sentences

When their new neighbors asked where they were from, most would demur and say “Southern California” or “near Los Angeles.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2023

But ask him about Television, and he would often demur.

From Washington Post • Jan. 30, 2023

That ineptitude led coach Vic Fangio to demur when asked what he thought of Lock’s performance afterward.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2021

But in other interviews I’ve read, you demur when asked to draw a direct line between your time in the public eye and Diana’s.

From New York Times • Nov. 5, 2021

Before they could demur, which was clearly their instinct, we thanked them profusely and climbed into the back seat.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• hesitate
• vacillate
• waver