rebuff

American  

[ri-buhf, ree-buhf, ri-buhf] / rɪˈbʌf, ˈri bʌf, rɪˈbʌf /

noun

1. a blunt or abrupt rejection, as of a person making advances.

2. a peremptory refusal of a request, offer, etc.; snub.

3. a check to action or progress.

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verb (used with object)

1. to give a rebuff to; check; repel; refuse; drive away.

   Synonyms:

   spurn, reject, slight, snub

rebuff British  

/ rɪˈbʌf /

verb

1. to snub, reject, or refuse (a person offering help or sympathy, an offer of help, etc) abruptly or out of hand

2. to beat back (an attack); repel

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noun

1. a blunt refusal or rejection; snub

2. any sudden check to progress or action

Other Word Forms

• rebuffable adjective
• rebuffably adverb
• unrebuffable adjective
• unrebuffed adjective

Etymology

Origin of rebuff

1580–90; < Middle French rebuffer < Italian ribuffare to disturb, reprimand, derivative of ribuffo (noun), equivalent to ri- re- + buffo puff; buffoon

Example Sentences

Having rebuffed several advances from Newcastle last summer, Wolves now look ready to allow Jorgen Strand Larsen to leave the club.

From BBC

On Saturday, local police were determined to draw a line, rushing to the scene of Pretti’s shooting to secure evidence of a potential crime, rebuffing demands by federal agents to leave.

From The Wall Street Journal

The ICC said it had "engaged with the BCB in sustained and constructive dialogue" to ensure Bangladesh could participate in the tournament, but added that those efforts had been "rebuffed."

From Barron's

Over the years, it has also rebuffed Chinese investment given its U.S. alliance, even as Greenland has been trying to diversify its economy beyond fisheries.

From Barron's

Just as Amazon has tried to ban Comet, other retailers have rebuffed Amazon’s automated system acting on the behalf of their customers.

From Barron's

Related Words

• chide
• deny
• dismiss
• disregard
• fend off
• ignore
• oppose
• rebuke
• refuse
• reject
• repudiate
• resist
• snub
• spurn
• turn down