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- DictionaryRef·use/rəˈfyo͞oz/
verb
- 1. indicate or show that one is not willing to do something: "I refused to answer"
To refuse is to decline, deny, reject, or resist. If a stranger offers you candy, you should politely refuse. As a noun, refuse (pronounced REF-yooss) is food waste, scraps, or garbage. As a verb, refuse (pronounced ree-FYOOZ) means to reject. If you’re mad at me, you’ll probably refuse my invitation to hang out.
to say or show that you are not willing to do, accept, or allow something: [ I ] She asked him for a loan, but he refused. [ T ] We were refused admission to the building. [ + to infinitive ] On cold mornings, the car may refuse to start.
2 days ago · SYNONYMS 1. rebuff. 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.
1. 2. noun. 1.a. c1390–. Anything that is rejected, discarded, or thrown away; rubbish, waste, residue; (now esp.) household waste. Formerly also as a count noun. Also figurative and in figurative contexts. In early use also spec.: wool (or silk) of the poorest quality (see quots. 1443–5, 1455–6 ).
1. a. To indicate unwillingness to do, accept, give, or allow: She was refused admittance. He refused treatment. b. To indicate unwillingness (to do something): refused to leave. 2. To decline to jump (an obstacle). Used of a horse. v.intr. To decline to do, accept, give, or allow something.
B1. to say that you will not do or accept something: I asked him to leave but he refused. [ + to do sth ] Cathy refuses to admit that she was wrong. Fewer examples. I refuse to compromise my principles. If you refuse to obey the law, you'll be arrested. The Pentagon refused to comment on potential military targets.
Definition of refuse 1 verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. refuse 1. verb. /rɪˈfyuz/ Verb Forms. [intransitive, transitive] to say that you will not do something that someone has asked you to do Go on, ask her; she can hardly refuse. refuse to do something He flatly refused to discuss the matter.
