demur

[ dih-mur ]

See synonyms for: demur demurred demurring on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),de·murred, de·mur·ring.

to make objection, especially on the grounds of scruples; take exception; object: They wanted to make him the treasurer, but he demurred.
Law. to interpose a demurrer.

Archaic. to linger; hesitate.

noun

the act of making objection.
an objection raised.

hesitation.
Law: Obsolete. a demurrer.

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

Other words for demur

5	scruple, qualm, misgiving

See synonyms for demur on Thesaurus.com

Opposites for demur

1	acquiesce, agree, accede, assent

See antonyms for demur on Thesaurus.com

Other words from demur

de·mur·ra·ble, adjective
un·de·mur·ring, adjective

Words that may be confused with demur

demur , demure

Words Nearby demur

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use demur in a sentence

The reason people demur is that the factual basis of this assertion is very thin.
Don't Worry, Dads: Those Kids are Probably Yours | Megan McArdle | February 7, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The intelligence officers at the bomb scene do not demur from this assessment.
After Beirut Bombing of Wissan al-Hassan, a Wary Calm in Lebanon | Jamie Dettmer | October 30, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
And so it goes again: Democrats claim a knockout, Republicans demur.
The Flapdoodle Campaign | Megan McArdle | October 23, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Should you suggest something inspired or adventurous, many chefs will demur and revert to their been-there, drank-that pairing.
The Food Lover’s Guide to Wine: Perfect Pairings | David Lincoln Ross | January 6, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
But if another, more prominent name were suggested for the position, Mrs. Clinton may demur.
How Obama Wooed Hillary | Nicholas Wapshott | November 14, 2008 | THE DAILY BEAST

Marie proposed that he take a walk with David, and Frederick consented without the slightest demur.
The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence | Eugne Sue
Gaston seemed to demur, but Félice overruled him imperiously.
The Rose of Old St. Louis | Mary Dillon
It was arranged so, with only a little demur from Mrs. Millar, over-ruled by her husband.
A Houseful of Girls | Sarah Tytler
She made no demur, but sat down to the piano and began to sing.
Queensland Cousins | Eleanor Luisa Haverfield
Sangiorgio had no time to demur or even to reply; he at once found himself beside the carriage.
The conquest of Rome | Matilde Serao

British Dictionary definitions for demur

demur

/ (dɪˈmɜː) /

verb-murs, -murring or -murred (intr)

to raise objections or show reluctance; object
law to raise an objection by entering a demurrer

archaic to hesitate; delay

nounalso: demurral (dɪˈmʌrəl)

the act of demurring
an objection raised

archaic hesitation

Origin of demur

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

Derived forms of demur

demurrable, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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