refuse

¹

[ri-fyooz]

verb (used with object)

refused, refusing 

1. to decline to accept (something offered).

   to refuse an award.

   Synonyms: rebuff
   Antonyms: take, accept

2. to decline to give; deny (a request, demand, etc.).

   to refuse permission.

3. to express a determination not to (do something).

   to refuse to discuss the question.

4. to decline to submit to.

5. (of a horse) to decline to leap over (a barrier).

6. to decline to accept (a suitor) in marriage.

7. Military.,  to bend or curve back (the flank units of a military force) so that they face generally to the flank rather than the front.

8. Obsolete.,  to renounce.

verb (used without object)

refused, refusing 

1. to decline acceptance, consent, or compliance.

refuse

²

[ref-yoos]

noun

1. something that is discarded as worthless or useless; rubbish; trash; garbage.

adjective

1. rejected as worthless; discarded.

   refuse matter.

refuse

¹

/ rɪˈfjuːz /

verb

1. (tr) to decline to accept (something offered)

   to refuse a present

   to refuse promotion

2. to decline to give or grant (something) to (a person, organization, etc)

3. (when tr, takes an infinitive) to express determination not (to do something); decline

   he refuses to talk about it

4. (of a horse) to be unwilling to take (a jump), as by swerving or stopping

5. (tr) (of a woman) to declare one's unwillingness to accept (a suitor) as a husband

refuse

²

/ ˈrɛfjuːs /

noun

1. 1. anything thrown away; waste; rubbish

   2. ( as modifier )

      a refuse collection

Other Word Forms

• refuser noun
• refusable adjective
• quasi-refused adjective
• unrefusable adjective
• unrefused adjective
• unrefusing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of refuse¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English refusen, from Middle French refuser, Old French ultimately from Latin refūsus, past participle of refundere “to pour back”; refund ¹

Origin of refuse²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Middle French, Old French refus “dross, waste,” derivative of refuser to refuse ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of refuse¹

C14: from Old French refuser , from Latin refundere to pour back; see _refund

Origin of refuse²

C15: from Old French refuser to _refuse ¹

Synonym Study

Refuse, decline, reject, spurn all imply nonacceptance of something. To decline is milder and more courteous than to refuse, which is direct and often emphatic in expressing determination not to accept what is offered or proposed: to refuse a bribe; to decline an invitation. To reject is even more positive and definite than refuse : to reject a suitor. To spurn is to reject with scorn: to spurn a bribe.

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Australia fly-half Faitala Moleka found turf between the hosts' back three with clever kicks and her forwards cantered into contact, refusing to be cowed by the Red Roses' record or reputation.

From BBC

But as we have recently seen with numerous long-serving congressional members, Norton has so far refused to acknowledge her age-related limitations.

From Salon

Officers have been seen carrying people out of the crowd, after some protesters said they planned to refuse bail and go "floppy" if they were arrested.

From BBC

Officials say the apps refused to store Russian users' data in the country, as required by law, and they have claimed scammers exploit messaging apps.

From BBC

Jonsson’s successful performance proves the audience is ready to see someone like him refuse to die so that the usual suspects can live.

From Salon

Related Words

• decline 
• ignore 
• protest 
• rebuff 
• reject 
• turn down 
• withdraw 
• withhold