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

When their new neighbors asked where they were from, most would demur and say “Southern California” or “near Los Angeles.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2023

“State of the Union” put Musk’s post on the screen and host Jake Tapper read it to DeSantis before pressing him to condemn it — but the governor continued to demur.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 2023

But ask him about Television, and he would often demur.

From Washington Post • Jan. 30, 2023

You can ask your friends if they need any help figuring out their eligibility or scheduling an appointment, but I think you should ask everyone, not just her, and if they demur, leave it alone.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2021

Anytime a reporter asked whether he’d join the race for president, Barack would demur, saying simply, “I'm still thinking about it. It’s a family decision.”

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• hesitate
• vacillate
• waver