Refusal
rɪˈfjuːzəl
Definitions
The act of declining or rejecting something offered, requested, or expected.
rɪˈfjuːzəl
The act of refusing or rejecting something.
The company's refusal to negotiate led to a strike.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'no' to something. Imagine your friend offers you ice cream, but you're full. Your refusal to have ice cream is you saying 'no'.
👶 For kids: When you say "no" to something someone asks you to do.
More Examples
He interpreted her refusal as a sign of disinterest.
The committee expressed its refusal to endorse the proposal.
How It's Used
"The judge's refusal to admit the evidence was crucial to the outcome of the trial."
"Her refusal to attend the party was seen as a slight."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
to meet with a refusal
To be rejected or declined.
"His application for the loan met with a refusal."
From Old French *refuser* ('to refuse'), from Latin *refusare* ('to reject, decline'), from *re-* ('back, again') + *fusare* ('to pour').
The word 'refusal' has been in use since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of declining something offered.
Memory tip
Think of a 'fuse' that is being 're-'done, meaning it's been declined or rejected.
Word Origin
"to reject"