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rebuff

 - 3 dictionary results

re⋅buff

  [n. ri-buhf, ree-buhf; v. ri-buhf]
Use rebuff in a Sentence
–noun
1. a blunt or abrupt rejection, as of a person making advances.
2. a peremptory refusal of a request, offer, etc.; snub.
3. a check to action or progress.
–verb (used with object)
4. to give a rebuff to; check; repel; refuse; drive away.
Origin:
1580–90; < MF rebuffer < It ribuffare to disturb, reprimand, deriv. of ribuffo (n.), equiv. to ri- re- + buffo puff; see buffoon

Related forms:
re⋅buff⋅a⋅ble, adjective
re⋅buff⋅a⋅bly, adverb

Synonyms:
4. snub, slight, reject, spurn.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To rebuff
re·buff   (rĭ-bŭf')   
n.  

  1. A blunt or abrupt repulse or refusal, as to an offer.

  2. A check or an abrupt setback to progress or action.

tr.v.   re·buffed, re·buff·ing, re·buffs

  1. To reject bluntly, often disdainfully; snub. See Synonyms at refuse1.

  2. To repel or drive back.


[From obsolete French rebuffer, to reject, from Italian ribuffare, from ribuffo, reprimand : ri-, back (from Latin re-; see re-) + buffo, gust, puff (of imitative origin).]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

rebuff  (v.)
1586, from obs. Fr. rebuffer "to check, snub," from It. ribuffare "to check, chide, snide," from ribuffo "a snub," from ri- "back" (from L. re-) + buffo "a puff," of imitative origin (cf. buffet (v.)). The noun is first recorded 1611.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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