Dictionary

1spurn

verb \ˈspərn\

: to refuse to accept (someone or something that you do not think deserves your respect, attention, affection, etc.)

Full Definition of SPURN

intransitive verb
1
obsolete
a :  stumble
b :  kick 1a
2
archaic :  to reject something disdainfully
transitive verb
1
:  to tread sharply or heavily upon :  trample
2
:  to reject with disdain or contempt :  scorn
spurn·er noun
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Origin of SPURN

Middle English, from Old English spurnan; akin to Old High German spurnan to kick, Latin spernere to spurn, Greek spairein to quiver
First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of SPURN

decline, refuse, reject, repudiate, spurn mean to turn away by not accepting, receiving, or considering. decline often implies courteous refusal especially of offers or invitations <declined his party's nomination>. refuse suggests more positiveness or ungraciousness and often implies the denial of something asked for <refused to lend them the money>. reject implies a peremptory refusal by sending away or discarding <rejected the manuscript as unpublishable>. repudiate implies a casting off or disowning as untrue, unauthorized, or unworthy of acceptance <teenagers who repudiate the values of their parents>. spurn stresses contempt or disdain in rejection or repudiation <spurned his overtures of friendship>.

Rhymes with SPURN

2spurn

noun

Definition of SPURN

1
a :  kick 1a
b obsolete :  stumble
2
a :  disdainful rejection
b :  contemptuous treatment

First Known Use of SPURN

14th century
SPURN Defined for Kids

spurn

verb \ˈspərn\
spurnedspurn·ing

Definition of SPURN for Kids

:  to reject with scorn <He spurned the offer.>

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