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

Aslef said its members would walk out on 3 October and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from 21 September because of the company's "persistent refusal" to adhere to guidelines for disciplinary proceedings.

From BBC

He has also threatened to punish the Russian leader for the apparent refusal to end the war - or even meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky for peace talks.

From BBC

US tariffs of 50% on goods from India - which includes 25% penalty for Delhi's refusal to stop buying oil from Russia - took effect last week.

From BBC

The foreign secretary has said he is "outraged by the Israeli government's refusal to allow in sufficient aid" into Gaza, as he announced a further £15m to fund medical assistance in the region.

From BBC

Organizers have put together the nationwide protest “Workers over Billionaires,” calling it a “refusal to let billionaires slash care, scapegoat immigrants, raid public dollars, and divide working people for profit.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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