refuse
refuse Lexical Profile
refuse Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To indicate or show that one is not willing to do something.
"Several witnesses refused to comment on the ongoing investigation until the official report was released."
To decline to accept, grant, or allow something offered or requested.
"The committee refused the applicant's request for an extension because it was submitted after the deadline."
To fail or decline to jump over a fence or obstacle (of a horse).
"The young mare approached the water hazard at a steady canter but refused at the last stride."
• noun
Matter thrown away or rejected as worthless, useless, or unwanted; trash, garbage, or rubbish.
"Municipal trucks collect household refuse from the neighborhood every Tuesday morning."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Refuse" is a heteronym: as a verb meaning to decline or reject, it is pronounced with stress on the second syllable (/rɪˈfjuːz/), whereas as an uncountable noun meaning garbage or waste, it is pronounced with stress on the first syllable (/ˈrɛfjuːs/).
• Rhymes for refuse
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Old French refuser, ultimately traced to Latin refundere ("to pour back" or "to restore"), blended in Vulgar Latin with the past participle stem recusat- of recusare ("to object to" or "decline").