Snub: meaning, definitions and examples

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snub

 

[snʌb ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

social interaction

To ignore or reject someone in a disdainful or contemptuous manner.

Synonyms

disregard, ignore, reject, spurn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
snub

Used when you show someone intentionally that they are not important.

  • She snubbed him at the party by walking away.
  • The manager snubbed the intern's suggestions.
ignore

Used in a general sense when you don't pay attention to someone or something.

  • He ignored the loud noise outside.
  • She ignored his text messages.
reject

Used when you refuse to accept, agree to, or believe something.

  • They rejected the proposal.
  • His membership application was rejected.
disregard

Used when you ignore something because you don't think it is important.

  • The company disregarded his complaints.
  • She disregarded the warning signs.
spurn

Used when you reject someone or something in a proud and scornful way.

  • She spurned his advances.
  • The artist spurned the commercial offer.

Examples of usage

  • He snubbed her at the party, refusing to even acknowledge her presence.
  • The boss snubbed his employees by not inviting them to the meeting.
  • Don't snub your classmates, try to be more inclusive.
  • She felt hurt when he snubbed her invitation to the dance.
  • I hope they don't snub us at the event tomorrow.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'snub' originates from the late 18th century, believed to come from a Scottish dialect where it meant to 'rebuff' or 'reject'.
  • It may also have connections to the word 'snub-nosed', describing a flat or short nose, used in a context of disdain.

Social Psychology

  • Snubbing can lead to feelings of rejection and can have lasting effects on interpersonal relationships.
  • Studies show that being snubbed can trigger the same responses in the brain as physical pain, highlighting its emotional impact.

Pop Culture

  • In famous films and shows, characters often snub others to showcase social status or power dynamics.
  • Music has references to snubbing in songs about heartbreak, illustrating feelings of being ignored or overlooked.

Literature

  • Many classic novels feature themes of social snubbing, showcasing the complexities of human interaction and societal norms.
  • Poets often use snubbing to contrast warmth and rejection, creating powerful emotional imagery.

Historical Context

  • In social gatherings during the 18th and 19th centuries, snubbing was a common way to indicate class differences.
  • Notable figures in history have been snubbed at important events, affecting their reputations and public perceptions.

Translations

Translations of the word "snub" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desprezo

🇮🇳 अपमान

🇩🇪 Brüskierung

🇮🇩 penghinaan

🇺🇦 зневага

🇵🇱 lekceważenie

🇯🇵 冷遇

🇫🇷 snobisme

🇪🇸 desaire

🇹🇷 küçümseme

🇰🇷 모욕

🇸🇦 ازدراء

🇨🇿 pohrdání

🇸🇰 pohŕdanie

🇨🇳 冷落

🇸🇮 prezir

🇮🇸 hunsun

🇰🇿 менсінбеу

🇬🇪 შეურაცხყოფა

🇦🇿 hörmətsizlik

🇲🇽 desaire

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,115, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.