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

Nine months later, there was more to avenge in Foster’s first rivalry game than his spurning by a local school.

From Los Angeles Times

But she spurned his advances and kept her focus on her work and her beloved chimpanzees.

From BBC

Any hope of a home revival was dashed by Muntz's late kick and Wales spurning a last-minute opportunity.

From BBC

Carter initially spurned that offer while working with attorneys in the case to identify parcels where an initial 106 modular units of temporary housing could be placed.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2019, when Gerrit Cole spurned his hometown Angels to sign with the New York Yankees, his agent did not mince words in explaining why.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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