I. rə̇ˈbəf, rēˈ- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle French rebuffer, from Italian ribuffare, to reprimand, from ribuffo reprimand
1. : to refuse or repulse without ceremony : give a sharp check to : snub
mix only with the right people and rebuff invitations from those we didn't like — H.E.Salisbury
2. : to drive or beat back
thunder and drenching flood rebuff the winds — Robert Bridges †1930
rebuffed the enemy attack
II. “, ˈrēˌ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French rebuffe, from Italian ribuffo reprimand
1. : an abrupt or unceremonious rejection of an offer or advance : snub
the task was uncongenial to one sensitive to rebuffs, but he succeeded in raising the outside amount necessary — H.K.Rowe
2. : a sharp setback : repulse
four costly rebuffs of a tiny outpost detachment — F.V.W.Mason
the reader who picks it up as casually as he would a common novel is headed for a rebuff that will set him back upon his heels — B.R.Redman