rebuff

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

noun

1. a blunt or abrupt rejection, as of a person making advances.

2. a peremptory refusal of a request, offer, etc.; snub.

3. a check to action or progress.

verb (used with object)

1. to give a rebuff to; check; repel; refuse; drive away.

   Synonyms: spurn, reject, slight, snub

rebuff

/ rɪˈbʌf /

verb

1. to snub, reject, or refuse (a person offering help or sympathy, an offer of help, etc) abruptly or out of hand

2. to beat back (an attack); repel

noun

1. a blunt refusal or rejection; snub

2. any sudden check to progress or action

Other Word Forms

• rebuffable adjective
• rebuffably adverb
• unrebuffable adjective
• unrebuffed adjective

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

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

Example Sentences

After the first boat strike, Maduro also sent a letter to his US counterpart calling for a meeting – an approach which has been rebuffed by the White House.

From BBC

India was keen to build a military base on Assumption but was rebuffed.

From BBC

Last year it faced controversy after accusations of cheating - which were later rebuffed - but it only helped to boost publicity, with a "ridiculous" number of entrants due to take part this year.

From BBC

Ortega shared text messages showing the deputy tried to flirt with her and ask her out on dates, but she rebuffed him at every turn.

From Los Angeles Times

"They have rebuffed every opportunity to engage with us," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• chide 
• deny 
• dismiss 
• disregard 
• fend off www.thesaurus.com
• ignore 
• oppose 
• rebuke 
• refuse 
• reject 
• repudiate 
• resist 
• snub 
• spurn 
• turn down