refuse

[rɪˈfjuːz]

refuse Definition

• 1. indicate or show that one is not willing to do something
• 2. fail to accept or comply with; reject
• 3. matter 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

Synonyms for refuse

• reject
• deny
• disapprove
• disagree
• decline

Antonyms for refuse

• accept
• agree
• approve
• consent
• acquiesce

Idioms Using refuse

• refuse to budge

  be unwilling to change one's opinion or position

  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.

• refuse to take no for an answer

  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

• refuse collector

  a person whose job is to collect and dispose of refuse

  Example

  The refuse collector comes every Monday morning.

• refuse dump

  a place where waste materials are dumped and left to decay

  Example

  The refuse dump was overflowing with garbage.

• refuse chute

  a vertical passage or pipe for conveying refuse to a lower level

  Example

  The refuse chute in the apartment building was clogged with trash.

Origins of refuse

from Old French 'refuser', meaning 'to refuse'

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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.