refuse meaning and definition

REFUSE noun

Definition of refuse (noun)

1. food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
   • synonyms: food waste, garbage, scraps

REFUSE verb

Definition of refuse (verb)

1. show unwillingness towards
   • "he declined to join the group on a hike"
   • synonyms: decline
   • antonym: accept
2. refuse to accept
   • "He refused my offer of hospitality"
   • synonyms: decline, pass up, reject, turn down
   • antonym: accept
3. elude, especially in a baffling way
   • "This behavior defies explanation"
   • synonyms: defy, resist
   • antonym: apply
4. refuse to let have
   • "She denies me every pleasure"; "he denies her her weekly allowance"
   • synonyms: deny
   • antonym: allow
5. resist immunologically the introduction of some foreign tissue or organ
   • "His body rejected the liver of the donor"
   • synonyms: reject, resist
6. refuse entrance or membership
   • "They turned away hundreds of fans"; "Black people were often rejected by country clubs"
   • synonyms: reject, turn away, turn down
   • antonym: admit