What does demurral mean?
Demurral is a formal noun denoting the act of raising an objection or expressing reluctance to agree with something proposed. It carries a connotation of measured, courteous dissent rather than outright refusal — one might voice a demurral at a board meeting without rejecting the plan altogether. The word derives from the verb 'to demur', which traces back through Old French to the Latin 'demorari', meaning to delay or linger. This origin gives the word its distinctive flavour: to demur is, etymologically, to hold back, to pause before consenting. In everyday usage, demurral most often appears in phrases such as 'without demurral', indicating ready agreement, or in descriptions of quiet protest. It also has a technical legal sense referring to a formal objection to the sufficiency of an opponent's pleadings, though this sense is now largely historical. Demurral is a useful word when precision about the tone of disagreement matters: it signals hesitation and polite resistance rather than open conflict, making it well suited to diplomatic, professional, and literary contexts where nuance is prized.
The action of demurring; a formal objection or expression of reluctance to consent.
"Her demurral was noted, but the resolution passed unanimously."
Often used in the negative construction 'without demurral' to indicate unqualified agreement.
(Law, historical) A plea that objects to the sufficiency of an opponent's legal pleading rather than disputing the facts alleged.
"The defendant entered a demurral challenging the validity of the writ."
This sense is now largely superseded by 'demurrer' in modern English law.
Standard plural, used when referring to multiple instances of objection.
"The minutes recorded several demurrals from the junior members."
When you demur, you're not being shy — you're literally telling someone to wait, using a word that comes from Latin for 'to delay'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of demurral
Demurral derives from the verb 'demur', which entered English from Anglo-Norman French 'demurer' in the late Middle English period, ultimately from Latin 'demorari' ('to delay'), formed from 'de-' plus 'morari' ('to delay'), related to 'mora' ('delay'). The noun 'demurral' was formed by adding the suffix '-al' to the verb, following a common pattern for nouns of action. Its cognates include 'demure' (via the same root, originally meaning 'delayed, mature') and the legal term 'demurrer'.
How demurral is actually used
Register is formal. 'Without demurral' is a fixed idiomatic phrase meaning readily and without objection. The word is more common in written than spoken English, and its legal sense is now largely historical or confined to older legal systems.
Easily confused with demurral
'Demure' is an adjective describing modest or reserved behaviour, while 'demurral' is a noun meaning an objection — both share the same Latin root 'demorari' (to delay) but have diverged in meaning.