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,  to kick (at)

noun

1. an instance of spurning

2. archaic,  a kick or thrust

Other Word Forms

• spurner noun
• outspurn verb (used with object)

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

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

Synonym Study

See refuse ¹.

Example Sentences

Martinez's side spurned one chance to qualify in October when they drew with Hungary and another went begging at the Aviva Stadium as Ireland recorded an unforgettable triumph.

Read more on Barron's

I hoped that some bright kid at Ohio State University who really wanted to be an oceanographer would read my book, spurn the offer from Goldman Sachs, and set out to sea.

Read more on Literature

China's premier vowed on Wednesday to further open up domestic markets and slammed "unilateral and protectionist" behaviour by other countries, as Beijing positions itself as an attractive destination for global firms spurned by US tariffs.

Read more on Barron's

Rather, they are filling positions that many Americans spurn out of a lack of interest or skills.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Until recently, it wasn’t certain because Strathcona Resources, a spurned bidder for MEG, said it would use its 14.2% stake to vote against.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• despise 
• disdain 
• dismiss 
• disregard 
• flout 
• rebuff 
• refuse 
• reject 
• repudiate 
• scorn 
• snub 
• turn down