Meaning & Definition of word "Refuse"
to
Refuse
/rɪˈfjuz/
noun:
- 1. Material that is discarded or thrown away; waste.
- Example: The factory produces a lot of refuse that needs to be properly disposed of.
- 2. Garbage or rubbish.
- Example: They collected all the refuse from the picnic site.
verb:
- 1. To indicate or show that one is not willing to do something.
- Example: She refused to answer the question.
- 2. To reject or decline something offered.
- Example: He refused the invitation to the party.
- 3. To dismiss as unacceptable or unsatisfactory.
- Example: The committee refused the proposal after much discussion.
Etymology
From Middle English 'refusen', from Old French 'refuser', from Latin 'refusare'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
refuse to budge:
to refuse to change one's opinions or position.
refuse service:
to deny service or assistance to someone.
take no refuse:
to accept no excuses.
Related Words
refusal:
the act of saying that one will not accept something.
refuser:
a person who refuses.
refutable:
capable of being refuted.
Slang Meanings of refuse
Meaning: no way!
Example Sentence: He asked for a raise, and I was just like, 'Refuse!'
Meaning: to deny something outright.
Example Sentence: She found the request absurd and just refused.