indicate or show that one is not willing to do something:I refused to answer [no object]:he was severely beaten when he refused
[with object] indicate that one is not willing to accept or grant (something offered or requested):she refused a cigarette [with two objects]:the old lady was refused admission to four hospitals
informal (of a thing) fail to perform a required action:the car refused to start
[with object] dated decline to accept an offer of marriage from (someone):he’s so conceited he’d never believe anyone would refuse him
[with object] (of a horse) stop short or run aside at (a fence or other obstacle) instead of jumping it:her horse refused a high hedge [no object]:again the horse refused, his nostrils flaring with fear
