cold-shoulder

[ kohld-shohl-der ]
/ ˈkoʊldˈʃoʊl dər /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR cold-shoulder ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to snub; show indifference to.

Origin of cold-shoulder

First recorded in 1810–20

Words nearby cold-shoulder

cold-pack, cold-patch, cold-pressed, cold-roll, cold-rolled, cold-shoulder, cold-store, cold-turkey, cold-water, cold-water flat, cold-weld

Definition for cold-shoulder (2 of 2)

cold shoulder

noun

a show of deliberate indifference or disregard.

Origin of cold shoulder

First recorded in 1810–20

Words related to cold-shoulder

haughty, presumptuous, imperious, pretentious, aloof, cocky, cavalier, smug, vain, pompous, bossy, derisive, insulting, disrespectful, condescending, disdainful, scornful, forbidding, chilly, icy

Example sentences from the Web for cold-shoulder

  • As to Frances, she behaved abominably, and turned the cold-shoulder to everybody.

    It May Be True Volume 1 of 3 |Mrs. Wood

  • One doesn't realize these things at first—neither of you will, till you see how dreadfully Society can cold-shoulder.

    Beyond |John Galsworthy

  • Swift does not at once fascinate and cold-shoulder him as he does to so many people.

    The Art of Letters |Robert Lynd

British Dictionary definitions for cold-shoulder

cold shoulder
/ informal /

noun

the cold shoulder a show of indifference; a slight

verb cold-shoulder (tr)

to treat with indifference

Cultural definitions for cold-shoulder

cold shoulder

To “give someone the cold shoulder” is to ignore someone deliberately: “At the party, Carl tried to talk to Suzanne, but she gave him the cold shoulder.”

Idioms and Phrases with cold-shoulder

cold shoulder

Deliberate coldness or disregard, a slight or snub. For example, When I said hello to her in the library, she gave me the cold shoulder and walked away. This term, which first appeared in writings by Sir Walter Scott and others, supposedly alludes to the custom of welcoming a desired guest with a meal of roasted meat, but serving only a cold shoulder of beef or lamb—a far inferior dish—to those who outstayed their welcome. [Early 1800s]