brush off
brush off
Transitive VerbNoun
pl: brush offspast: brushed offpp: brushed offing: brushing off
The literal sense describes a physical action of cleaning a surface, while the figurative sense describes a social interaction. In the figurative sense, the term carries a strong connotation of rudeness or indifference, suggesting that the person being dismissed is viewed as insignificant or a nuisance.
As a noun, the term refers to the specific event of being rejected. It is often paired with adjectives like "cold" or "curt" to emphasize the lack of warmth or politeness in the interaction.
Meanings
Transitive Verbbrush off
[~ something]
To remove dust, dirt, or small particles from a surface using a brush or the hand.
She brushed off the crumbs from the tablecloth.
Phrasal Verbs
brush off
to dismiss or ignore someone abruptly
He tried to apologize, but she just brushed him off.
Related Words
dismisssnubrejectignorespurnslightdisregardwelcomeacceptacknowledgeheedembraceindifferencearrogancecoldnessrejectiondisdaincontemptapathyavoidanceshuncold shouldernegligencedismissaldisinterestaloofnessrudenessinsultscorndisrespectexclusionostracismdetachmentevasionavoidneglectoverlookbypasshostilityantipathydistancebarrierwallsilencerefusaldenialrebuffrepulserepeldiscardabandonforgetminimizeunderestimatetrivializationbelittledepreciatecondescensionpatronizehaughtinesssuperciliousnessprideegosocial graceetiquettecourtesypoliteness