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Spurned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spurned

[spษœrnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

rejected feelings

To spurn means to reject something with disdain or contempt. It usually implies a strong and dismissive refusal, often suggesting that the person rejecting something considers it unworthy or beneath them. The term can be applied in various contexts such as love, opportunities, or invitations. It indicates not just a refusal, but a vigorous or scornful one, emphasizing how lowly the rejected object is viewed.

Synonyms

disdain, dismiss, reject, scorn, shun.

Examples of usage

  • She spurned his advances with a cold glare.
  • The athlete spurned the chance to represent his country.
  • He spurned the job offer because he felt it was beneath his skills.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Shakespeare used the word 'spurned' in plays like 'Hamlet' to describe characters being rejected.
  • In poems, being spurned often symbolizes heartbreak and unreciprocated love.
  • Classic novels frequently explore themes of spurning as a way to show societal expectations and personal choice.

Psychology

  • Feeling spurned can lead to emotional responses such as jealousy or sadness.
  • Research shows that rejection can affect self-esteem and mental health.
  • Understanding the feeling of being spurned helps in developing empathy and coping strategies.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often feel spurned after a breakup, leading to dramatic plot twists.
  • Songs frequently talk about being spurned, expressing the pain of unrequited love.
  • Television shows sometimes depict spurned friends or partners as a theme for drama and redemption.

Origin of 'spurned'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Spurn' comes from the Old English word 'spear,' meaning to thrust away.
  • It has roots in the Middle English 'spernen,' which also meant to reject or push away.
  • The word has been used in literature for centuries, often to convey strong feelings of rejection.

The word 'spurn' has its origins in the Old English term 'spernan', which meant to 'kick away' or 'reject'. This term traces back to Proto-West Germanic *spurnลn, which also carried the sense of 'to kick away'. The evolution of the word reflects both a physical and metaphorical act of rejection, reinforcing its use in contexts where something is not just refused, but done so with a sense of contempt or disdain. Over centuries, 'spurn' has been solidified in the English language, often associated with emotions such as disgust or disdain, whether in romantic endeavors, agreements, or even trivial offers. Its usage has expanded into poetic and literary contexts, where the connotation enhances narratives of love and rejection.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,273, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.