Main Entry:: ¹re·fuse
Pronunciation:: \ri-ˈfyüz\
Function:: verb
Inflected Form(s):: re·fused; re·fus·ing
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French refuser, from Vulgar Latin *refusare, perhaps blend of Latin refutare to refute and recusare to demur — more at recuse
Date:: 14th century

transitive verb1: to express oneself as unwilling to accept <refuse a gift> <refuse a promotion>2 a: to show or express unwillingness to do or comply with <refused to answer the question> b: deny <they were refused admittance to the game>3obsolete : give up , renounce <deny thy father and refuse thy name — Shakespeare>4of a horse : to decline to jump or leap overintransitive verb: to withhold acceptance, compliance, or permission

synonyms see decline

— re·fus·er noun

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