rebuff
noun
a blunt or abrupt rejection, as of a person making advances.
was rebuffing
-
past progressiveof rebuff.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Meanwhile, public health advocates say they were stunned when the state announced back in January that it was rebuffing roughly $9 million in federal funding designed to prevent and treat HIV.
From Seattle Times ● May 22, 2024
In an interview two years ago, Martin said he was rebuffing offers from big firms regularly as he worked to establish his own.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 3, 2015
Just three weeks ago, Berlin was rebuffing calls for more.
From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2015
One of the females was rebuffing her suitor rather petulantly, but when he flew away she lost no time in following.
From Birds in the Bush by Bradford Torrey
