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)

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˈspurner, noun

Other Words From

• spurn·er noun
• out·spurn 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

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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