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

The reason people demur is that the factual basis of this assertion is very thin.

From The Daily Beast

The intelligence officers at the bomb scene do not demur from this assessment.

From The Daily Beast

And so it goes again: Democrats claim a knockout, Republicans demur.

From The Daily Beast

Should you suggest something inspired or adventurous, many chefs will demur and revert to their been-there, drank-that pairing.

From The Daily Beast

But if another, more prominent name were suggested for the position, Mrs. Clinton may demur.

From The Daily Beast

Marie proposed that he take a walk with David, and Frederick consented without the slightest demur.

From Project Gutenberg

Gaston seemed to demur, but Félice overruled him imperiously.

From Project Gutenberg

It was arranged so, with only a little demur from Mrs. Millar, over-ruled by her husband.

From Project Gutenberg

She made no demur, but sat down to the piano and began to sing.

From Project Gutenberg

Sangiorgio had no time to demur or even to reply; he at once found himself beside the carriage.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hesitate
• vacillate
• waver