What does snub mean?
Snub is most often used as a verb meaning to reject, ignore, or insult someone in a pointed way. To snub someone may involve refusing to acknowledge them, overlooking them at a gathering, or turning down an invitation. The word carries a distinctly negative social tone: the person being snubbed is made to feel unwanted or insignificant. It can also mean to blunt or shorten an object, as when someone snubs a cigarette, and the related adjective describes something short or blunt, especially a nose. As a noun, a snub is a rebuff or an instance of deliberate rejection. The term is understood in both British and American English and is useful when describing not only physical refusal but also the sharper, socially embarrassing kind of disregard conveyed by being overlooked.
To reject, ignore, or insult someone, especially by refusing to acknowledge or accept them.
"The committee snubbed the proposal without offering any explanation."
Often implies a deliberate and socially pointed slight.
To blunt or shorten something, especially a cigarette or the end of a nose.
"He snubbed the end of the cigarette before putting it in the ashtray."
A deliberate rebuff, rejection, or refusal of recognition.
"Her snub at the ceremony was noticed by everyone in the room."
Short, stubby, or blunt, especially of a nose.
"The bird was distinguished by its snub, rounded bill."
The plural is used for individual acts of rejection or rebuff.
"The guest received several conspicuous snubs at the party."
From a possible Old Norse root to the modern image of a guest deliberately ignored, snub captures the sharp social edge of being treated as though you were not there.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snub come from?
The word appears in Middle English, probably in the sense of checking, rebuking, or cutting off. Its deeper origin is uncertain, though it may be related to Old Norse snubba, a verb associated with rebuking or striking. The later senses developed from the idea of checking or turning someone away to the modern meanings of social rejection and physical blunting.
Related word forms
How snub is actually used
The verb is common in British and American English and can sound formal in written accounts but blunt or conversational in everyday speech. The noun is especially used for a conspicuous social rebuff. The adjective is much less common and is often encountered in the compound "snub-nosed."
Easily confused with snub
To snub someone is to reject or ignore them, while to snuff a cigarette or flame is to extinguish it.