What does demur mean?
'Demur' is a formal word meaning to object, hesitate, or express reluctance to agree to something. When someone demurs, they signal reservations rather than outright refusal — a colleague might demur at a proposed deadline, or a guest might demur when offered a second helping, politely declining or holding back. As a noun, 'demur' denotes an objection or expression of reluctance, and it survives in legal English in the form 'demurrer', a formal plea challenging the legal sufficiency of an opposing party's case. The word carries a tone of measured, often courteous opposition: to demur is typically to voice hesitation or scruple rather than to argue heatedly. It most often appears in phrases such as 'without demur', meaning readily and without objection. Though not common in casual conversation, 'demur' adds precision and elegance to writing, capturing that subtle space between silent agreement and open refusal.
To raise an objection or express reluctance to agree to something.
"Several committee members demurred when the proposal was put to a vote."
A formal objection or expression of reluctance; in law, a demurrer — a plea that challenges the legal sufficiency of an opposing pleading.
"She agreed to the arrangement without demur."
As a noun, 'demur' is rare outside legal contexts and is usually found in the singular, especially in the phrase 'without demur'.
"The judge sustained one of the demurs raised by the defence."
Despite looking like 'demure', 'demur' has nothing to do with being shy about your appearance — it's all about raising an objection, and lawyers still use its noun form today in the form of a 'demurrer'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of demur
'Demur' entered English in the Middle Ages via Anglo-Norman and Old French 'demorer', meaning to stay, linger, or delay, which derives from the Latin 'demorari', formed from 'de-' plus 'morari', to delay, itself rooted in 'mora', meaning delay or pause. The original sense of lingering or delaying evolved into the modern sense of hesitating or objecting. The same Latin root gives English 'moratorium' and, through French, the unrelated-looking adjective 'demure'; 'remora' — the 'delay' fish said to halt ships — also traces back to 'mora'.
Related word forms
How demur is actually used
'Demur' is relatively formal and somewhat literary in register. The verb is most commonly followed by 'at' or 'to', or used absolutely ('she did not demur'). In legal usage the noun survives chiefly in the term 'demurrer', a pleading that challenges the legal sufficiency of an opponent's case rather than disputing its facts. Do not confuse it with the adjective 'demure', despite the similar spelling.
Easily confused with demur
Demure is an adjective meaning modest, shy, or reserved in manner, whereas demur means to object or hesitate.