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Refusal: meaning, definitions and examples

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refusal

 

[rɪˈfjuːzəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a formal situation

The act of refusing to accept or comply with something; the act of declining or rejecting something offered or requested.

Synonyms

declination, denial, rejection, repudiation.

Examples of usage

  • He submitted his resignation without any refusal from the company.
  • She met his proposal with a firm refusal.
  • The refusal of the government to negotiate led to further tensions.
  • The refusal to pay the ransom resulted in dire consequences.
  • The refusal to sign the contract was unexpected.
Context #2 | Noun

in everyday conversation

A polite way of saying 'no' to something or someone.

Synonyms

declination, denial, no, rejection.

Examples of usage

  • His refusal to join the party was met with understanding.
  • I had to make a refusal to babysit as I had other commitments.
  • The refusal to lend him money was a difficult decision.
  • She made a refusal to attend the meeting due to illness.
  • Politely declining an invitation is a form of refusal.
Context #3 | Noun

legal context

A formal rejection of a request, claim, or demand.

Synonyms

declination, denial, rebuff, rejection.

Examples of usage

  • The court issued a refusal of the petition for a retrial.
  • The refusal of the insurance claim left the family in a difficult situation.
  • The refusal of the application for a visa was disappointing.
  • His refusal to comply with the court order led to legal consequences.
  • She received a refusal of her request for an extension.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'refusare', which means to reject or decline.
  • In the 14th century, it entered the English language, reflecting a growing need to articulate negative consent.

Psychology

  • Refusal can be a crucial part of setting personal boundaries, helping individuals maintain their sense of self and autonomy.
  • In social psychology, the act of refusing can influence group dynamics, often leading to changes in how group members view conformity.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, refusal might refer to the rejection of a contract or offer, which can carry significant implications.
  • Certain laws protect individuals from consequences when they refuse to comply with unlawful requests or demands.

Cultural References

  • In literature, characters often experience pivotal moments of refusal, leading to conflict and growth, like in many hero's journey narratives.
  • Songs and movies frequently explore themes of refusal, capturing the tension and drama of saying 'no' to love or societal expectations.

Translations

Translations of the word "refusal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recusa

🇮🇳 इंकार

🇩🇪 Ablehnung

🇮🇩 penolakan

🇺🇦 відмова

🇵🇱 odmowa

🇯🇵 拒否 (きょひ)

🇫🇷 refus

🇪🇸 rechazo

🇹🇷 reddetme

🇰🇷 거절 (geojeol)

🇸🇦 رفض (rafd)

🇨🇿 odmítnutí

🇸🇰 odmietnutie

🇨🇳 拒绝 (jùjué)

🇸🇮 zavrnitev

🇮🇸 höfnun

🇰🇿 бас тарту

🇬🇪 უარყოფა

🇦🇿 rəddetmə

🇲🇽 rechazo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,887, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.