to dismiss / remove
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to dismiss as
To treat something, for example a concern, an idea, or a remark, as unimportant or irrelevant and pay no further attention to it.
Der Chef hat meine Bedenken einfach als Kleinigkeit abgetan.
The boss simply dismissed my concerns as a minor matter.
'Abtun' (to dismiss / remove) is an irregular, separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' is separated in a main clause. Note the irregular forms of the verb 'tun' (to do): 'er tut ab', 'er tat ab', 'er hat abgetan'.
Er tut meine Sorgen immer ab.
He always dismisses my worries.
In its main modern meaning, 'abtun' (to dismiss) is almost always used with the preposition 'als'. You dismiss something 'als' something else, usually something negative or unimportant.
Man kann dieses Problem nicht einfach als unwichtig abtun.
You can't simply dismiss this problem as unimportant.
Abstract things such as concerns, worries, ideas, criticism, or problems are often dismissed. Typical combinations are 'Bedenken als übertrieben abtun' (to dismiss concerns as exaggerated) or 'eine Idee als Unsinn abtun' (to dismiss an idea as nonsense).
Die Kritik der Experten wurde von der Regierung als Panikmache abgetan.
The experts' criticism was dismissed by the government as scaremongering.
The meaning 'ein Kleidungsstück ablegen' (to take off an item of clothing) is outdated. Today it is only used in historical novels or films to imitate an old-fashioned way of speaking.
Als er den Raum betrat, tat er seinen Mantel ab.
When he entered the room, he removed his coat.
to reject
'ablehnen' and 'abtun' can both show that you do not take something on seriously. 'ablehnen' means that you say no to a suggestion, a request, or even a behavior, or that you do not approve of it. 'abtun' is used when someone treats a concern, idea, or comment as unimportant and does not discuss it further. The words can be confused because both show distance. 'ablehnen' is often a clear decision; 'abtun' sounds more as if someone is not taking something seriously.
Wir tun seine Sorgen nicht einfach als übertrieben ab.
We do not simply dismiss his worries as exaggerated.
Mein Freund lehnt das Angebot ab, weil es nicht zu seinen Plänen passt.
My friend rejects the offer because it does not fit his plans.