Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition refuse in British English

refuse verb

verb
/rɪˈfjuːz/

▪ absolutely, adamantly, consistently, flatly, politely, resolutely, steadfastly, stubbornly

1

to say you will not do something that someone has asked you to do

Example

Mum asked him to apologize, but he refused.

Example

How could he refuse to help his own son?

Example

Senior executives flatly refused to comment as they left the meeting.

Synonyms and related words
refuse turn down decline
2

to say that you do not want what someone has offered to you

Example

It seemed impolite to refuse when she invited me for dinner.

Example

Alternative therapies are suggested for patients who refuse conventional medical treatment.

Synonyms and related words
refuse turn down decline
3

to not give someone what they ask for, or to not let someone do what they ask to do

Example

Some landowners refuse permission to use footpaths on their land.

Example

Judge Mackey refused the defendant the right to appeal.

Synonyms and related words
forbid decline prohibit
Definition refuse in British English