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.
The Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach sued the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 over refusals to comply with a whistleblower complaint subpoena.
From Los Angeles Times
In 2022, after years of monastic refusal—I already know I need to move more!
The Martin County Sheriff's Office said the 15-time major champion had also been charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
From BBC
But the head coach's absolute belief in his methods occasionally strayed into dogma, and his apparent refusal to adapt - or incorporate just a little more pragmatism - proved costly.
From BBC
Fadiah gained attention on social media after she posted a photo of what appears to be a notice of entry refusal issued on Sunday by immigration authorities.
From BBC
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.