Spurn: meaning, definitions and examples

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spurn

 

[ spəːn ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

reject with disdain

To spurn means to reject with disdain or contempt. It implies a strong feeling of dislike or disrespect towards something or someone. When you spurn someone or something, you are refusing to accept or consider them, often in a harsh or scornful manner.

Synonyms

despise, disdain, ignore, reject, scorn

Examples of usage

  • He spurned her offer of help, believing he could handle the situation on his own.
  • She spurned his advances, making it clear she was not interested in a romantic relationship.
  • They spurned the proposal, deeming it unworthy of further discussion.
Context #2 | Noun

a kick

As a noun, spurn refers to a kick or a striking motion with the foot. It can be used in the context of kicking a ball in sports or delivering a forceful blow with the foot.

Synonyms

blow, boot, kick, strike

Examples of usage

  • He gave the ball a powerful spurn, sending it flying towards the goal.
  • The horse delivered a swift spurn to the intruder, warning them to stay away.

Translations

Translations of the word "spurn" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desprezar

🇮🇳 अवहेलना करना

🇩🇪 verschmähen

🇮🇩 menolak

🇺🇦 зневажати

🇵🇱 gardzić

🇯🇵 軽蔑する

🇫🇷 mépriser

🇪🇸 despreciar

🇹🇷 hor görmek

🇰🇷 경멸하다

🇸🇦 ازدراء

🇨🇿 pohrdat

🇸🇰 opovrhovať

🇨🇳 轻视

🇸🇮 zaničevati

🇮🇸 fyrirlíta

🇰🇿 жек көру

🇬🇪 ზიზღი

🇦🇿 nifrət etmək

🇲🇽 despreciar

Etymology

The word 'spurn' originates from Middle English 'spurnen', which in turn comes from Old English 'spurnan', meaning 'to kick'. The sense of rejecting or showing disdain towards something emerged in the late Middle Ages. Over time, 'spurn' has retained its connotation of rejection and contempt, evolving to encompass both physical and metaphorical meanings.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,081, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.