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- DictionaryRef·use/rəˈfyo͞oz/
verb
- 1. indicate or show that one is not willing to do something: "I refused to answer"
The meaning of REFUSE is to express oneself as unwilling to accept. How to use refuse in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Refuse.
REFUSE definition: 1. to say that you will not do or accept something: 2. unwanted waste material, especially…. Learn more.
To refuse is to decline, deny, reject, or resist. If a stranger offers you candy, you should politely refuse.
to decline to give; deny (a request, demand, etc.): to refuse permission. to express a determination not to (do something): to refuse to discuss the question. to decline to submit to. (of a horse) to decline to leap over (a barrier). to decline to accept (a suitor) in marriage.
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.
Refuse consists of the rubbish and all the things that are not wanted in a house, shop, or factory, and that are regularly thrown away; used mainly in official language.
REFUSE definition: 1. to say that you will not do or accept something: 2. waste: . Learn more.
To decline to accept, agree to, or do something. Webster's New World. Similar definitions. To decline to jump (an obstacle). Used of a horse. American Heritage. More Verb Definitions (6) Synonyms: decline. turn down. pass-up. reject. resist. defy. turn-away.
Definition of refuse verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
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 ). c1390.