spurn etymology

Etymology

• Middle English: spurnen, from Old English: spurnan
• Proto-West Germanic: *spurnan
• Proto-Germanic: *spurn-an- ("to strike with the foot")
• Proto-Indo-European: *sperg- ("to kick")

Meaning and Origin

The word "spurn" has multiple meanings:

• To reject or dismiss something with contempt: This meaning derives from the physical act of kicking something away with the foot, symbolizing rejection.
• To move with short, quick steps: This sense relates to the movement of spurning with one's foot.
• (Nautical) To drive (a ship) with a stern oar or rudder: In maritime contexts, "spurn" refers to the use of a stern oar or rudder to propel a boat.

The word originated as a physical action related to kicking or striking with the foot. Over time, it extended to metaphorical and nautical meanings.

spurn relate terms

• spoor

  Etymology and Meaning of Spoor The word spoor comes from the Old English word spor

• spurn

  Etymology Middle English spurnen from Old English spurnan Proto West Germanic spurn

• spur

  Etymology The word spur originated from the Proto Indo European root sper meaning

• spurn

  Etymology Middle English spurnen from Old English spurnan Proto West Germanic spurn

• spoor

  Etymology and Meaning of Spoor The word spoor comes from the Old English word spor

• reject

  Etymology Old French rejecter Latin reiectare Prefix re back iactare to thro

• scorn

  Etymology Middle English scorn from Old English scorn of uncertain origin Possibl

• disdain

  Etymology The word disdain comes from the Old French word desdaignier meaning to

• contemn

  Etymology From Middle English contemnen from Latin contemnere to despise scorn f

• refuse

  Etymology Old French refus refuser Latin refutare to refute reject oppose Proto

• buffer

  Etymology Middle English buffer from Anglo French buffeter to strike from Mi

• snub

  Etymology The word snub is derived from the Middle English word snubben which means

• decline

  Etymology The word decline originates from the Old French word decliner which in tur

• leper

  Etymology The word leper comes from the Greek word λεπρός lepros which orig

• repel

  Etymology Latin repellere from re back pellere to drive Meaning To drive