spurn

¹spurn

verb \ˈspərn\

Definition of SPURN

intransitive verb

1

obsolete a : stumble b : kick 1a

2

archaic : to reject something disdainfully

transitive verb

1

: to tread sharply or heavily upon : trample

2

: to reject with disdain or contempt : scorn

— spurn·er noun

Examples of SPURN

1. <fiercely independent, the elderly couple spurned all offers of financial help>

Origin of SPURN

Middle English, from Old English spurnan; akin to Old High German spurnan to kick, Latin spernere to spurn, Greek spairein to quiver

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SPURN

Synonyms: balk (at), deselect, disapprove, negative, nix, pass, pass up, refuse, reject, reprobate, repudiate, decline, throw out, throw over, turn down

Antonyms: accept, agree (to), approve

Related Words: blow off, disdain, rebuff, scorn, scout, shoot down; overrule, veto; forbid, prohibit, proscribe; dismiss, ignore; abstain (from), forbear, refrain (from); deny, disavow, disclaim, dispute, gainsay; stick; abjure, forswear (also foreswear), recant, renounce, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw; avoid, bypass, detour; contradict, deny, disown, negate; controvert, disagree (with), disprove, dispute, rebut, refute; back down, back off, backtrack; disallow, recall, renege, revoke

Near Antonyms: condone, countenance, swallow, tolerate; adopt, embrace, receive, take, welcome; accede, acquiesce, agree, assent, consent; choose, handpick, select; espouse, support

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See Synonym Discussion at decline

Rhymes with SPURN

Bern, burn, churn, earn, erne, fern, kern, learn, pirn, quern, stern, tern, terne, turn, urn, yearn