refuse Definition
- 1indicate or show that one is not willing to do something
- 2fail to accept or comply with; reject
- 3matter thrown away or rejected as worthless; rubbish
Using refuse: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "refuse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I refused to answer any more questions.
Example
The company refused to negotiate with the union.
Example
He refused to let me pay for dinner.
Example
She refused to believe him.
refuse Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using refuse
Example
The politician refused to budge on his stance regarding the new policy.
refuse point-blank
refuse in a blunt or direct manner, without hesitation or equivocation
Example
When asked if he would consider a compromise, he refused point-blank.
persist in asking or demanding something, even when told that it is not possible or not allowed
Example
He refused to take no for an answer and kept calling until he got what he wanted.
Phrases with refuse
Example
The refuse collector comes every Monday morning.
Example
The refuse dump was overflowing with garbage.
Example
The refuse chute in the apartment building was clogged with trash.
Origins of refuse
from Old French 'refuser', meaning 'to refuse'
Summary: refuse in Brief
The verb 'refuse' [rɪˈfjuːz] means to indicate unwillingness to do something, or to reject or fail to comply with something. It can be used in various contexts, from personal interactions to business negotiations, as in 'The company refused to negotiate with the union.' 'Refuse' also refers to matter thrown away as worthless, such as 'The refuse dump was overflowing with garbage.' Idioms like 'refuse to budge' and 'refuse to take no for an answer' denote persistence in one's position.