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Added 9 October 2026

refuse

/ˈɹɛfjuːs/ noun

In Latin: quisquiliae, scrūta Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about refuse at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Food that is discarded (as from a kitchen).

verb

Show unwillingness towards.
he declined to join the group on a hike
Refuse to accept.
He refused my offer of hospitality
Elude, especially in a baffling way.
This behavior defies explanation

Origin

Borrowed into late Middle English from Middle French refusé, past participle of refuser (“to refuse”). Displaced native Middle English wernen (“to refuse”) likely due to the similar sounding Middle English warnen

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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