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

In New York, Keys made 37 unforced errors in the first set alone but managed to take it on a tie-break after Zarazua spurned five set points.

From BBC

Lowell, spurned in his romantic life and treated as a black sheep by his dynastic family, found in Mars a calling, a raison d’être.

From Los Angeles Times

And there was a touch of Nunez about Ekitike spurning a header inside the six-yard box less than a minute into the second half, and another chance he blazed over from 12 yards.

From BBC

But after spurning a second match point and saving a break point, Raducanu completed the victory at the third attempt, winning the second set 6-2.

From BBC

After a bright opening few minutes, Rangers ceased any control by continually giving up possession as the visitors spurned multiple chances.

From BBC

Related Words

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