refuse

To say that you will not do, accept, or allow something.

• She refused my offer.
• He refuses to wear a coat.
• Why did they refuse our request?

How to use it: refuse to do something (He refused to answer my question.); refuse someone something (The bank refused her a loan.)

Similar words: turn down, reject, decline

Opposites: accept, agree

Common phrases: refuse an offer, refuse a request, refuse to go, refuse permission

To move part of a line of soldiers back, often to protect it while another part attacks.

• The commander refused the right flank.
• They refused one wing while the other advanced.
• He ordered the troops to refuse their left flank before the attack.

Similar words: draw back, pull back

Opposites: advance

Common phrases: refuse the flank, refuse the wing, refuse the right

Things people throw away because they no longer need or want them.

• Please put refuse in the bins.
• The council collects household refuse every Tuesday.
• Refuse had piled up behind the empty building.

Similar words: waste, rubbish, garbage, trash

Common phrases: household refuse, refuse collection, refuse disposal, refuse truck