noun
-
the act or an instance of refusing
-
the opportunity to reject or accept; option
Other Word Forms
- prerefusal noun
Etymology
Origin of refusal
First recorded in 1425–75, refusal is from the late Middle English word refusell. See refuse 1, -al 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There was also a record number of tribunals in 2024/25, where parents disagreed with a refusal to offer support, or were challenging the level of support offered.
From BBC
Multiple college unions have also announced their dissolution in recent months, citing reasons including institutions' refusal to recognise their status.
From Barron's
It came out more gruff than he intended, but he was still upset about the social worker’s question and his refusal to tell him who that mystery lady was.
From Literature
In one case, the refusal of Homeland Security officials to back down may cause video footage that further undercuts their narrative to become public.
From Los Angeles Times
His refusal to be vaccinated against Covid proved costly -- he was deported from Melbourne on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
