Refuse
rɪˈfjuːz
Definitions
3 meaningsTo decline to do something; to say no to something offered or requested.
rɪˈfjuːz
To decline to accept or allow something.
He refused to eat the vegetables.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend offers you a cookie, but you're not hungry. Refusing means saying 'no, thanks!'. It's like turning down something someone wants you to have or do.
👶 For kids: To say no to something.
More Examples
She refused the invitation to the party.
The bank refused to lend him any money.
I refuse to believe it!
How It's Used
"She refused the offer."
"The company refused to comment on the allegations."
To express unwillingness to do or accept something.
rɪˈfjuːz
To state that you will not do something or allow something.
He refused to accept any help from his family.
💡 Simply: It's like when your parents tell you to clean your room, but you say, 'Nope!'. It's a strong 'no'.
👶 For kids: To say NO and not do something.
More Examples
The government refused to negotiate with the terrorists.
I refuse to believe such a ridiculous story.
She refused to participate in the game.
How It's Used
"The witness refused to answer questions."
"She refused to cooperate with the investigation."
Waste material; garbage.
ˈrefjuːs
Something that is discarded or rejected as worthless.
The sanitation department collects the refuse.
💡 Simply: This is another word for trash or garbage - the stuff you throw away because you don't need it anymore.
👶 For kids: Trash, stuff you throw away.
More Examples
The landfill is filled with household refuse.
He searched through the refuse bins.
The recycling plant processes the city's refuse.
How It's Used
"The city's refuse is collected weekly."
"He rummaged through the refuse."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
refuse to budge
To be unwilling to change your position or opinion.
"The union refused to budge on its demands for higher wages."
refuse to give ground
To refuse to back down or compromise.
"The lawyer refused to give ground, even when the opposing counsel became aggressive."
From Old French *refuser*, from Latin *refūsus*, past participle of *refundere* 'to pour back, reject'.
The verb 'refuse' has been used since the 14th century and the noun 'refuse' since the 16th century.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'fuse' - you're cutting off the flow of something, like electricity or an offer, and you're rejecting it.
Word Origin
"past participle of *refundere* 'to pour back, reject'"