Spurn

/spɜrn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of spurning something; a disdainful rejection.

His spurn of the award shocked everyone in the community.

verb

To reject with disdain or contempt.

He spurned the opportunity to join the elite team, choosing instead to pursue his own path.

To refuse to accept someone or something that one considers worthless.

She spurned his advances, as she was not interested in a relationship at that time.

To treat with contempt or disdain.

The critic spurned the film, calling it a waste of time.

Middle English 'spernen', from Old English 'spernian' meaning to reject.

spurn someone's help

to refuse assistance offered by someone

spurn an offer

to reject a proposal or suggestion

spurn affection

to reject someone's love or care

reject

to dismiss as inadequate, inappropriate, or not to one's taste.

refuse

to indicate or show that one is not willing to do something.

disdain

the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect.