rebuff

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
  2. noun an instance of driving away or warding off
  3. verb reject outright and bluntly

Etymology

From obsolete French rebuffer, from Middle French rebuffer (compare French rebiffer (“to rise up, revolt”)), from Italian ribuffare.

In classic literature

Synonyms

slight

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