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

Cignetti demurred when asked who would play him in this movie, which someone will surely make if Hollywood can figure out how to stop making films about moody superheroes and talking squirrels.

From The Wall Street Journal

Witkoff demurred, as he traveled too much to use the cumbersome system.

From The Wall Street Journal

But when it came to vengeance, he demurred.

From The Wall Street Journal

When asked about her mayoral intentions late last month, Horvath demurred, but made clear the door was open.

From Los Angeles Times

At first he demurs, saying he doesn’t know if he’d still have the physical tools.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• hesitate
• vacillate
• waver