brush-off

[ bruhsh-awf, -of ]
/ ˈbrʌʃˌɔf, -ˌɒf /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR brush-off ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a refusal to talk or listen to someone; abrupt or final dismissal or rebuff.

Origin of brush-off

1945–50, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase brush off

Words nearby brush-off

brush off, brush turkey, brush up, brush-fire, brush-footed butterfly, brush-off, brush-on, brush-tailed phalanger, brush-tailed possum, brushback, brushed

Words related to brush-off

veto, elimination, repudiation, exclusion, rejection, affront, snub, warfare, contest, fray, engagement, encounter, fight, action, struggle, skirmish, war, conflict, shoot-out, disapproval

Example sentences from the Web for brush-off

  • For any officer to brush-off a forthright request for aid or advice under such circumstances is an unofficerly act.

    The Armed Forces Officer |U. S. Department of Defense