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

Asked by a student how he viewed the prospect of Warsh arriving at the Fed and pursuing rate cuts in the current environment, Powell demurred.

From The Wall Street Journal

But other Australian states have demurred from similar actions.

From BBC

Japan has so far demurred, citing legal obstacles to venturing into a war zone.

From The Wall Street Journal

Starmer demurred, saying all British citizens were entitled to the same help regardless of their tax status.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a meeting with the media, she demurred when asked when Russians would be welcomed back.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hesitate
• vacillate
• waver