Spurn

Verb

Definition: To reject or refuse disdainfully or with contempt.

Synonyms: Reject, Decline, Refuse, Discard

Antonyms: Accept, Embrace, Welcome

Examples:

He spurned her offer of help.
The company spurned the proposed partnership.

Mnemonics:

"Spurn" sounds like "burn," and when you spurn something, you completely reject it, as if you want to burn any connection or association with it.
Think of a person forcefully kicking something away with their foot to show their disdain.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'spurnen', from the Old English 'spurnan', derived from the Proto-Germanic 'spurnaną', meaning "to kick" or "to strike with the foot."

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the Middle Ages in the sense of physically kicking or striking with the foot. Over time, it has also acquired the metaphorical meaning of refusing or rejecting something.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Spurn someone's advances"

Explanation:

To reject or dismiss someone's romantic or flirtatious advances.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "spurn" with "scorn."

Explanation:

While both words involve rejection, "spurn" specifically refers to rejecting with contempt or disdain, while "scorn" implies a feeling of deep dislike, often accompanied by contempt or disregard.