to refuse
Pronunciation
/rɪˈfjuz/

Definition & Meaning of "refuse"in English

to refuse
01

to say or show one's unwillingness to do something that someone has asked

Transitive: to refuse an offer
to refuse definition and meaning
Grammatical Information
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
refuse
3rd person singular
refuses
Past simple
refused
Past participle
refused
Examples
The student had to refuse the invitation to join the extracurricular club due to time constraints.
02

to not accept what someone has offered us or asked us to do

Transitive: to refuse to do sth
to refuse definition and meaning
Examples
She refused to accept the job offer because it did n't align with her career goals.
03

to fail or be unable to perform the function or action that is expected of it

Transitive: to refuse to do sth
Examples
The old car refused to start on the cold winter morning, leaving them stranded in the driveway.
04

to deny someone permission to have something

Transitive: to refuse sth
Ditransitive: to refuse sb a permission | to refuse a permission to sb
Examples
The bouncer refused entry to anyone who could n't provide valid identification.
05

to reject or disown someone or something, often due to a disagreement or a perceived betrayal

Transitive: to refuse sb
Examples
After years of arguments and conflicts, the father decided to refuse his son and cut off all communication.
Refuse
01

unwanted materials or items that have been discarded

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Plural form
refuses
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