refuse

5 definitions • 12 examples

to say that you will not do or accept something:

He asked me to give him another loan, but I refused.

He's in trouble but he's refused all (my offers of) help.

[ + to infinitive ] On cold mornings the car always refuses to start.

[ + two objects ] The local council refused him planning permission to build an extra bedroom.

unwanted waste material, especially material that is regularly thrown away from a house, factory, etc.:

garden/kitchen refuse

to say or show that you are not willing to do, accept, or allow something:

[ I ] She asked him for a loan, but he refused.

[ T ] We were refused admission to the building.

[ + to infinitive ] On cold mornings, the car may refuse to start.

worthless or unwanted objects or materials; garbage:

We separate refuse from recyclables.

to say that you will not do or accept something:

refuse an offer/request/invitation The government proposes to cut unemployment benefits to those who refuse job offers.

refuse sb sth The company was forced to close when it was refused a new bank loan.

refuse to do sth Some big brand wines are refusing to accept supermarket price reductions.