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

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

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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.

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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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Related Words

• hesitate 
• vacillate 
• waver