spurn

/spɜːrn/

to reject with contempt

She spurned his advances, making it clear she wasn't interested.

She rejected his romantic advances in a way that showed strong disapproval.

formal

To reject or refuse something or someone with disdain or contempt

The company spurned the offer, believing it undervalued their work.

The company rejected the offer because they felt it didn't reflect their worth.

He was spurned by his peers for his unethical behavior.

He was rejected and shunned by his peers because of his dishonest actions.

Often implies a strong emotional rejection, not just a simple refusal.

Collocations

spurn someone's advancesreject romantic or friendly overturesspurn an offerreject a proposal or opportunityspurn traditionreject conventional practices

reject someone or something in a way that shows strong disapproval

Use 'spurn' when the rejection is strong and disdainful, not just a simple refusal.

'Spurn' implies more than just saying no—it suggests contempt or disdain.

From Middle English 'spurnen', from Old English 'spurnian', meaning to kick or strike with the foot, later extended to metaphorical rejection.

Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a strong, contemptuous rejection. Can be used with people, offers, or traditions.

spurn

to kick or strike with the foot

root

English Dictionary