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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Some Iranians, hurrying about their day, demurred from speaking.

From BBC

Reform's only current MS, Laura Anne Jones, has demurred when asked if she would want to be leader - but also has a recent suspension from the Senedd on her CV.

From BBC

But when asked if there was a way he could bring the latest problem up with the league, Doncic demurred.

From Los Angeles Times

Many more potential members have so far politely demurred.

From BBC

Related Words

• hesitate
• vacillate
• waver