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 Word Forms

• prerefusal 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

Mr. Gould is slightly defensive about their refusal to participate in his own project.

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Continuing to push back against Johnson’s leadership, Greene said that Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva “does deserve” to be sworn in, despite the speaker’s refusal to do so.

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The Kremlin’s refusal last year to aid former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is now in exile in Moscow, was a potent indication of its shrinking military and political reach.

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He saw the grand jury’s refusal to indict as a sign that “citizens are tired of what’s going on in this country,” Kling said.

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“It is the first major refusal of the international film industry at large that targets complicit Israeli film institutions and companies.”

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Related Words

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