demur

[dih-mur]

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.

noun

1. the act of making objection.

2. an objection raised.

   Synonyms: misgiving, qualm, scruple

3. hesitation.

4. Law: Obsolete.,  a demurrer.

demur

/ 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

noun

1. the act of demurring

2. an objection raised

3. archaic,  hesitation

Other Word Forms

• demurrable adjective
• undemurring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of demur¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of demur¹

C13: from Old French demorer, from Latin dēmorārī to loiter, linger, from morārī to delay, from mora a delay

Example Sentences

But when it came to vengeance, he demurred.

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Netanyahu has long called for the annexation of the West Bank, but has demurred from doing so for fear of angering Israel’s main patron in the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

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

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Harris, who announced this summer that she would not run for California governor next year, demurred when asked about whether she would run for president for a third time in 2028.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hesitate 
• vacillate 
• waver