rebuff

verb
UK: /rɪˈbʌf/
US: /rɪˈbʌf/

  1. To refuse someone or something in a rude or unfriendly way.

    1. He tried to hug her, but she rebuffed him.
    2. The company rebuffed several takeover attempts from larger corporations.

  2. To reject an offer or suggestion, often abruptly.

    1. The politician rebuffed the reporter's question.
    2. The government rebuffed calls for a public inquiry into the scandal.

Synonyms

reject refuse decline repulse slight snub
rebuff noun

  1. A rude or unfriendly refusal or rejection.

    1. His offer met with a sharp rebuff.
    2. She gave him a stinging rebuff when he asked her out.

  2. A rejection of an offer or attempt to make friendly contact.

    1. The peace talks suffered a major rebuff when the rebels refused to attend.
    2. Despite the rebuff, she persisted in her efforts to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "rebuff" in English means: To refuse someone or something in a rude or unfriendly way., To reject an offer or suggestion, often abruptly..

The phonetic transcription of "rebuff" is /rɪˈbʌf/ in British English and /rɪˈbʌf/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "rebuff": reject, refuse, decline, repulse, slight, snub.

Example usage of "rebuff": "He tried to hug her, but she rebuffed him.". More examples on the page.