spurn

/spɜːn/

Group 30Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(verb)
To reject with disdain or contempt
GRE

Example in Context

The board spurned the takeover bid, declaring that the offer dramatically undervalued the company's assets and future earning potential.

Synonyms

rejectrefusesnub

Etymology

Kicking away something with disdain.

  • spur (Old English) — to kick

Memory Aid

🚫Sounds like “spurned

Imagine a fancy waiter SPURNING a customer's order by dramatically kicking it off the table!

Visual Association

👢A royal figure turning their back on a suitor, tossing a bouquet of roses aside in disgust.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “spurn” mean on the GRE?

spurn (verb) means “To reject with disdain or contempt”. The board spurned the takeover bid, declaring that the offer dramatically undervalued the company's assets and future earning potential.

How to remember “spurn” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “spurn” sounds like “spurned”. Imagine a fancy waiter SPURNING a customer's order by dramatically kicking it off the table!

What are synonyms for “spurn”?

Common synonyms: reject, refuse, snub.