verb

spurn

Spurn (verb) means to reject something or someone with contempt or disdain. Example: “She spurned his apology and walked away.”

verb

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 notes

In plain EnglishTo turn down something firmly and with scorn, as if pushing it away.

Common pairings

spurn an offer spurn advances spurned lover

Word forms

spurned past tense, spurns plural, spurns singular

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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."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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reject disdain scorn pooh-pooh turn down freeze off

Related words

buy respect accept refuse deny reject lemon mock

Rhymes for spurn

urn burn turn churn

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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.".

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