demur
/dɪˈmɜɹ/
Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.78 in modern English
Meaning
verb
Chiefly followed by to, and sometimes by at or on: to object or be reluctant; to balk, to take exception.
Intransitive verb
verb
To submit a demurrer (“motion by a party to a legal action for the immediate or summary judgment of the court on the question of whether, assuming the truth of the matter alleged by the opposite party, it is sufficient in law to sustain the action or defence, and hence whether the party bringing the motion is required to answer or proceed further”).
Intransitive verb
verb
To suspend judgment or proceedings because of a difficulty or doubt; to put off the conclusion or determination of a matter; to delay, to hesitate, to pause.
Intransitive verb; Obsolete
verb
Followed by upon: to be captivated or fixated; to dwell on, to linger.
Intransitive verb; Obsolete
Example Sentences
- "I demur to that statement."
- "The personnel demurred at the management’s new scheme."
- "The Sultan […] deſiring him novv to ratifie them, and in demonſtration thereof to give his hand to the Kings Embaſſadours. The Caliph demurred hereat, as counting ſuch a geſture a diminution to his State; […]"
- "My proceſs vvas alvvays very ſimple—in their younger days, 'tvvas 'Jack, do this;'—if he demur'd—I knock'd him dovvn—and if he grumbled at that—I alvvays ſent him out of the room."
- "What! thou demurrest? I tell thee I'll be his surety, and thou hast my warrant."
- "Thou still demurrest? Read once more / The lines obnoxious to thy score, / And sure I am thou'lt find / There's not a passage in the book / Where, lesson'd thus, thou mayst not look, / Nor leave thy scrawls behind."
Etymology
Origin
Word Breakdown
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /dɪˈmɜɹ/
- British English: /dɪˈmɜː/