View synonyms for rebuff

rebuff

[ri-buhf, ree-buhf, ri-buhf]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a blunt or abrupt rejection, as of a person making advances.
a peremptory refusal of a request, offer, etc.; snub.
a check to action or progress.

verb (used with object)

to give a rebuff to; check; repel; refuse; drive away.
Synonyms: spurn, reject, slight, snub

rebuff

/ rɪˈbʌf /

verb

to snub, reject, or refuse (a person offering help or sympathy, an offer of help, etc) abruptly or out of hand
to beat back (an attack); repel

noun

a blunt refusal or rejection; snub
any sudden check to progress or action

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Other Word Forms

rebuffable adjective
rebuffably adverb
unrebuffable adjective
unrebuffed adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of rebuff¹

1580–90; < Middle French rebuffer < Italian ribuffare to disturb, reprimand, derivative of ribuffo (noun), equivalent to ri- re- + buffo puff; buffoon

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Word History and Origins

Origin of rebuff¹

C16: from Old French rebuffer , from Italian ribuffare , from ribuffo a reprimand, from ri- _re- + buffo puff, gust, apparently of imitative origin

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It had a previous attempt to buy the group rebuffed by politicians as it was majority-funded by Abu Dhabi's IMI group - which is owned in turn by the Abu Dhabi royal family.

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