Definition of "demur" in English

verb

1. Chiefly followed by to, and sometimes by at or on: to object or be reluctant; to balk, to take exception.

   • I demur to that statement.
   • The personnel demurred at the management’s new scheme.

2. 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”).

3. To endure, to last.

4. To linger, to tarry.

5. To remain, to stay.

6. 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.

7. To have doubts; to be doubtful.

8. Followed by upon: to be captivated or fixated; to dwell on, to linger.

9. To object or take exception to (something).

10. To cause delay to (someone or something); to put off.

11. To have doubts or hesitate about (something).

noun

1. An act of objecting or taking exception; a scruple; also, an exception taken or objection to something.

2. An act of continuing; a continuance.

3. An act of lingering or tarrying.

4. An act of remaining or staying; a residence, a stay.

5. A state of having doubts; a hesitation, a pause.

6. Synonym of demurrer (“a 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”).