Advertisement

View synonyms for spurn

spurn

[ spurn ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to reject with disdain; scorn.

    Antonyms: accept

  2. to treat with contempt; despise.
  3. to kick or trample with the foot.


verb (used without object)

  1. to show disdain or contempt; scorn something.

noun

  1. disdainful rejection.
  2. contemptuous treatment.

    Synonyms: contumely

  3. a kick.

spurn

/ spɜːn /

verb

  1. to reject (a person or thing) with contempt
  2. archaic.
    whenintr, often foll by against to kick (at)
“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


noun

  1. an instance of spurning
  2. archaic.
    a kick or thrust
“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
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈspurner, noun
Discover More

Other Words From

  • spurn·er noun
  • out·spurn verb (used with object)
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of spurn1

First recorded in 1250–1300; (verb) Middle English spurnen, Old English spurnan; cognate with Old Saxon, Old High German spurnan, Old Norse sporna “to kick”; akin to Latin spernere “to put away”; (noun) Middle English: “a kick, contemptuous stroke,” derivative of the verb
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of spurn1

Old English spurnan; related to Old Norse sporna, Old High German spurnan, Latin spernere to despise, Lithuanian spiriu to kick
Discover More

Synonym Study

Discover More

Example Sentences

LaSalvia went on to cite examples large and small of how the Republican Party had continued to spurn gay conservatives.

A Ted Cruz may spurn those local politicians, and instead build his campaign upon national organizations.

In a conversation with Charlie Rose, Melinda Gates said that foundations must act as catalysts to spurn governments into action.

So this group, it would seem, would spurn the GOP in November, with or without a Palin thrust.

Mutlaq is painfully aware that his own side will be harmed if they spurn a place at the table of the enfranchised.

I love to feel his body alive beneath me, love to feel him spurn the ground beneath his feet.

The soul appears to spurn the body, and take a transient flight without its dull associate—the—the—broke down, by Jupiter!

She knew he would not spurn her away: he must be kind, for she loved him dearly still.

Here was a woman's revenge, to bait, to charm, to spurn; and then to outwit him!

"Even Borroughcliffe, cold and hardened as he appears to be by habit, would spurn at such dishonor," added Miss Howard.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


spuriousspurned