How to Memorize

spurn - reject

Analysis

The formal word ‘spurn’ means to refuse or rebuff with a degree of contempt and disdain. Therefore, unlike its synonym ‘reject’, you can’t let somebody down gently in this way. Being spurned is always extremely hurtful or offensive to the person on the receiving end.

Example(s)

1. The government have warned that if people continue to spurn the advice of experts, harsher restrictions may be put in place.

2. I asked Tom if he needed any help on a number of occasions, but he spurned my offers. He clearly thought he could do it all himself.

3. The police believe that the murder was carried out by a spurned former lover of the deceased in a callous act of retribution.