verb
spurn
spurn
Spurn (verb) means to reject something or someone with contempt or disdain. Example: “She spurned his apology and walked away.”
verb
1
To reject something or someone with contempt or disdain.
"She spurned his apology and walked away."
"The company spurned the takeover offer as far too low."
How to use spurn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo turn down something firmly and with scorn, as if pushing it away.
Common pairings
spurn an offer
spurn advances
spurned lover
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like spurn.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- spurns
- Third person singular
- spurns
- Past tense
- spurned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ his apology and walked away.
Etymology
From Old English spurnan, meaning "to kick" or "strike against"; related to Latin spernere, "to scorn."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for spurn
See all rhymes for spurn →Frequently asked questions
What does “spurn” mean?
The word “spurn” means to reject something or someone with contempt or disdain. In plain terms, to turn down something firmly and with scorn, as if pushing it away.
How do you pronounce “spurn”?
“Spurn” is pronounced spurn (/spɝn/ in IPA).
How do you use “spurn” in a sentence?
Here is “spurn” used in a sentence: “She spurned his apology and walked away.”
What part of speech is “spurn”?
“Spurn” is a verb.
Where does the word “spurn” come from?
The word “spurn” comes from Latin. From Old English spurnan, meaning "to kick" or "strike against"; related to Latin spernere, "to scorn.".
