refusal

[ ri-fyoo-zuhl ]

noun

1. an act or instance of refusing. refuse.
2. priority in refusing refuse or taking something; option.
3. complete resistance of a driven pile to further driving.

refusal

/ rɪˈfjuːzəl /

noun

1. the act or an instance of refusing
2. the opportunity to reject or accept; option

Other Words From

• prere·fusal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of refusal¹

First recorded in 1425–75, refusal is from the late Middle English word refusell. See refuse ¹, -al ²

Example Sentences

My parents, who had divorced a few years earlier, felt hopeless, unable to rein in my constant verbal and physical outbursts and my refusal to go to class.

From Washington Post

Republicans will be held accountable for their refusal to stand up for democracy and for the security of their own colleagues.

From Washington Post

When informed of this, the “investigator accepted the refusal without question,” according to GAO records.

From ProPublica

This means that high refusal rates could jeopardize achieving population immunity even under ideal conditions, and may be even higher in reality.

From Popular-Science

The rule, pushed by Comptroller Brian Brooks, had been encouraged by some Republicans frustrated by banks’ refusal to lend to certain types of businesses, such as gun manufacturers and oil and gas companies.

From Washington Post

He was pinned to the cement for his refusal to go along with an arrest for selling loose cigarettes.

From The Daily Beast

But the fun of reading Lennon is in his outright refusal to conform to expectations.

From The Daily Beast

The alliance between America and rebel forces has been strained by the U.S. refusal to directly attack the Assad regime.

From The Daily Beast

Their refusal leads the officer to shoot one of the boys to death.

From The Daily Beast

The refusal to compromise is a watchword of their candidates who wear it as a badge of pride.

From The Daily Beast

Ripperda accompanied this unexpected refusal, with a laboured epistle to his imperial friend.

From Project Gutenberg

He called upon the Order to show their title-deeds, but was met with a contemptuous refusal.

From Project Gutenberg

Insurrectionary movements at Rome in consequence of the pope's refusal to declare war against Austria.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a refusal would lead to quick enquiry—enquiry to information—information to want of confidence and speedy ruin.

From Project Gutenberg

Edna and her father had a warm, and almost violent dispute upon the subject of her refusal to attend her sister's wedding.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ban
• defiance
• exclusion
• noncompliance
• rejection
• reversal
• veto