refuse1 verbrefuse2 noun
refusere‧fuse1 /rɪˈfjuːz/ ●●● S2 W1 verb 
WORD ORIGINrefuse1
Origin:
1300-1400 Old French refuser, from Latin refundere ‘to pour back’VERB TABLE
refuse
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | refuse |
| he, she, it | refuses | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | refused |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have refused |
| he, she, it | has refused | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had refused |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will refuse |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have refused |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am refusing |
| he, she, it | is refusing | |
| you, we, they | are refusing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was refusing |
| you, we, they | were refusing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been refusing |
| he, she, it | has been refusing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been refusing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be refusing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been refusing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- He flatly refuses any offers of financial help.
- He never refuses a drink, does he?
- He tried to persuade her to come with him, but she refused.
- He was unable to attend the meeting in Moscow, because the Russian authorities had refused him a visa.
- I asked Stevie if she would help us, but she refused.
- If they refuse to leave, call the police.
- Judge Eyck refused his request for bail.
- Mother flatly refused to see the doctor.
- Ms. Knight refused to accept the manager's apology.
- Over 2,000 applications for political asylum were refused last year.
- Some banks are threatening to refuse loans to anyone who cannot provide suitable guarantees.
- Sutton refused food in protest against conditions in the prison.
- The church refused to give legitimacy to the new state.
- The city is refusing contracts to firms that do not practice an equal opportunities policy.
- The offer was so good how could I refuse?
- Under the law, doctors cannot refuse patients access to their own medical records.
- You wouldn't refuse an old friend a favour, would you?
- It is understood that a number of applications for advance clearance under s 707 for such arrangements have been refused.
- Players were pressing and self-doubt was evident, especially when shots refused to drop.
- She refused his advances and confounded a multitude of scholars assembled by him to overcome her scruples.
- The 1976 Act also makes a radical change as regards the grounds for granting or refusing an application for a licence.
- The charge was dropped when Lewinksy refused to testify.
- The committee was forcing Dozoretz to attend Thursday's hearing to publicly refuse to testify.
- The following day, doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital refused to operate because the parents had not given consent.
- Via his lawyer, Sam refused to give Clare money because he didn't want a divorce.
THESAURUS
to say firmly that you will not do something that someone has asked you to do: · I asked the bank for a loan, but they refused.· When they refused to leave, we had to call the police.
spoken to say that you will not do something when someone asks you: · They asked me so nicely that I couldn’t really say no.
to refuse to accept an offer or invitation, or a formal request: · They offered me the job but I turned it down.· The board turned down a request for $25,000 to sponsor an art exhibition.· I’ve already been turned down by three colleges.
to refuse to accept an idea, offer, suggestion, or plan: · They rejected the idea because it would cost too much money.· The Senate rejected a proposal to limit the program to two years.
formal to politely refuse to accept an offer or invitation, or refuse to do something: · She has declined all offers of help.· A palace spokesman declined to comment on the rumours.
to refuse to allow someone to do something or enter somewhere: · They were denied permission to publish the book.· He was denied access to the US.
to officially refuse to allow a law or plan, or to refuse to accept someone’s suggestion: · Congress vetoed the bill.· The suggestion was quickly vetoed by the other members of the team.
to officially refuse to accept something because someone has broken the rules, or not done it in the correct way: · The goal was disallowed by the referee.· The court decided to disallow his evidence.
formal to refuse to accept someone’s offer, request, or suggestion: · The company raised its offer to $6 billion, but was rebuffed.· He was politely rebuffed when he suggested holding the show in Dublin.
informal to refuse to allow or accept a plan or suggestion: · The plan was given the thumbs down by the local authority.· They gave us the thumbs down.
Longman Language Activatorto say that you will not do something to tell someone firmly that you will not do something they asked you to do: · I asked Stevie if she would help us, but she refused.refuse to do something: · If they refuse to leave, call the police.· The church refused to give legitimacy to the new state.flatly refuse (=refuse without explanation in a way that seems unreasonable): · Mother flatly refused to see the doctor.
when someone refuses to do something that they have been asked to do: · He was upset by her refusal.· His request for a bigger room met with a blunt refusal.refusal to do something: · She must understand the consequences of her refusal to accept medical treatment.· Refusal to do military service was a criminal offence.
especially spoken to tell someone that you will not do what they asked you to do: · I asked Dad to lend me some money, but he said no.say no no: · They asked me so nicely, I couldn't really say no to them.
especially spoken if someone will not or won't do something that they have been asked to do or told to do, they are determined not to do it: · He won't do anything that I ask him to do.· I won't sign the contract unless they offer me more money.
to refuse to do something - use this when you think it is wrong or unfair that anyone should expect you to do something: · I'm not prepared to wait any longer.· The landlord says that he is not prepared to pay for the repairs.
to allow certain things, but feel that you must refuse when a particular point is reached: · Our rules about time-keeping are fairly flexible, but we have to draw the line somewhere.draw the line at: · I don't mind your brother coming to stay, but I draw the line at him moving in!
formal to politely refuse to do what someone has asked you to do, especially when they have asked for your opinion or asked for information: · When asked to comment on details of the agreement, the President declined.decline to do something: · A security officer at the factory, who declined to give his name, said he had seen two men leave the building.· I asked Mr Hughes if he was satisfied with the jury's verdict but he declined to comment.
what you say when you refuse to do something · "Can you come and help move these boxes?" "No, sorry, I'm busy."· "You're sick - you need to stay in bed." "No, I have to be at this meeting."
spoken use this to firmly refuse to do something and say that nothing will change your mind: · "Why don't you phone him and apologize.'' "No way -- I haven't done anything wrong!''· No way am I going to look after all three children on my own!· There's no way I'm going to put up with rudeness like that!
spoken use this to tell someone that there is no chance at all of you doing something: · "Maybe things will sort themselves out in time." "Forget it, the relationship's over."· As for the idea of going on holiday together, forget it!
British spoken use this when you think that what someone has asked you to do is stupid or dangerous: · "Are you coming to that lecture this evening?" "Not likely - there's free beer at the Queen's Arms tonight!"
British spoken that's final American spoken used after you have refused to do something, in order to show that you will not change your mind or discuss your decision: · I'm not coming, and that's flat. Now stop bothering me.· There's no way I'm helping Ted move again, and that's final.
to refuse to give someone something: refuse somebody something · He was unable to attend the meeting in Moscow, because the Russian authorities had refused him a visa.· You wouldn't refuse an old friend a favour, would you?refuse something to somebody · Some banks are threatening to refuse loans to anyone who cannot provide suitable guarantees.
if someone in authority denies someone something that they want, for example money, a right, or the chance to do something, they refuse to give it to them: deny somebody something: · His parents denied him the opportunity to go to university.be denied something: · The scientists have been denied the necessary funds for their research program.· Up to 450 disaster victims were denied compensation by their insurers.· She has been denied the right to appeal to the Supreme Court.
to refuse to give someone something that they want - use this especially in official or legal contexts: · The new law allows you to withhold payment if you think a bill is incorrect.withhold something from somebody: · Doctors do not have the right to withhold necessary treatment from a patient.
to not let someone enter to prevent someone from entering a place, for example by locking doors and windows, or building fences: keep out somebody: · He bought a new security system to keep out intruders.keep somebody out: · Family members can go in to visit him, but we need to keep everyone else out.keep somebody out of something: · Try to keep Ed out of the bedroom while I finish wrapping his present.
to shut a door, window etc in order to prevent someone from entering, especially because they would be interrupting you or annoying you: shut out somebody: · He slammed the door, shutting out the dogs.shut somebody out (of something): · John shut everybody out of the kitchen so that he could prepare his grand surprise.
to stop someone from entering a place by locking a door: lock somebody out/lock out somebody: · Her husband threw her out of the trailer without shoes or clothes and locked her out.lock somebody out of something: · I can't believe I locked myself out of the house again.
to refuse to allow someone to enter a country or a public place: refuse somebody entry: · Immigration officials refused her entry because they thought she was planning to stay.refuse entry to somebody: · The management reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone who is improperly dressed.
to refuse to let someone into a place where a public event is happening, especially because it is full: turn somebody away/turn away somebody: · Hundreds of disappointed fans were turned away at the gates.· The club's so popular, we have to turn people away every night.
to officially forbid someone from entering a building or area, especially because they have caused trouble or because it is dangerous for them to go there: · The tavern banned Ted for starting a fight.bar/ban somebody from something: · We've had to bar visitors from the garden because some of the pathways aren't safe.bar/ban somebody for life (=forbidden from entering for the rest of your life): · After the incident at the country club, Chuck was banned for life.
to reject an offer or suggestion to say no very firmly to an offer or suggestion. Reject is more formal than not accept and say no: · Lauren rejected her parents' offer of financial help.· She rejected the idea that she should sue him.· The Secretary of State offered his resignation, which the President promptly rejected.
to say no to an offer or invitation, especially because you think it would not be right to accept it: · She's given us all this stuff and she won't accept any money for it.· I decided not to accept their invitation.· Laney wouldn't accept what he considered an insulting pay offer.
especially spoken not accept an offer or suggestion: · I asked him if he wanted a drink, but he said no.· I'll offer to buy it from her, but I expect she'll say no.say no to: · Mrs. Hill, still mentally alert, said no to any suggestions of further operations.
to say you do not want something that you have been offered: · The offer was so good how could I refuse?· He never refuses a drink, does he?refuse to do something: · Ms. Knight refused to accept the manager's apology.flatly refuse: · He flatly refuses any offers of financial help.
to say no to an offer - use this especially when someone refuses a good offer or opportunity, and this is surprising: turn somebody/something down: · They offered her a really good job, but she turned it down.· He said he'd help her with her training, but she turned him down.turn down somebody/something: · If you turn down the opportunity to go to college, you'll always regret it.
formal to say no politely when someone invites you to do something: · Mr Casey regrets that he will have to decline your kind invitation owing to a prior engagement.· The bishop was invited to attend the opening ceremony, but he declined.decline to do something: · The Prime Minister was asked for his opinion but declined to comment.
spoken use this to tell someone that you cannot accept their invitation at the time they have suggested, but would like to do it at some time in the future: · "How about dinner tonight?" "Sorry -- I'll have to take a rain check on that."
to officially reject a request or suggestion to use your official authority to formally refuse a request or suggestion: · Judge Gifford rejected the defense's request.· The immigration authorities have rejected his application for refugee status.· It was predicted that the Senate would reject the bill by about 60 to 40.
if a parliament, a council, or other official political organization throws out a plan or suggestion, they refuse to accept it or make it legal, especially after voting on it: throw out something: · Local councillors threw out proposals for the building of a new stadium.throw something out: · The House passed the bill, but the Senate threw it out.
to refuse to accept a request or to give someone permission to do something, especially when the request is a reasonable one: turn down something: · Their application to build a new extension has been turned down by the planning authority.turn something down: · We put in a request for a little extra time for us to finish the project, but the board turned it down.
to officially decide that someone cannot have something they have asked for, or cannot do something they want to do: refuse an application/request/demand etc: · Judge Eyck refused his request for bail.· Over 2,000 applications for political asylum were refused last year.refuse somebody something: · Under the law, doctors cannot refuse patients access to their own medical records.refuse something to somebody: · The city is refusing contracts to firms that do not practice an equal opportunities policy.
to officially refuse to accept a request, suggestion, or bad situation: · Employees have repeatedly requested child care facilities, but the company has always said no.say no to: · We're hoping the government will at last say no to low wages and poverty.
to refuse to accept a plan, proposal, or new law by voting: · The majority of union members voted against further industrial action.· Homeowners voted against new bonds and higher taxes.· Only Councilwoman Shirley Lanion voted no.vote no on something: · I urge you to vote no on Measure A.
to use your position of power to refuse to allow something to happen, especially something that other people, organizations, or countries have agreed: · European plans to deregulate air fares were vetoed by Spain.· Requests to take foster children abroad are often vetoed by the biological parent.· The governor vetoed a bill that would have given some much-needed money to public libraries.
also turn thumbs down on something American informal to reject a plan or suggestion: · The commission wisely gave the golf course proposal the thumbs down.· The city council turned thumbs down on Marison's new proposal, citing potential parking problems.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadverbs
The young men tried to enter a nightclub but were refused admission. He has categorically denied his guilt all along. If you refuse to co-operate, I’ll kill you. He refused to disclose the identity of the politician. He refused point-blank to identify his accomplices. Even under torture, Maskell refused to talk.
1[intransitive] to say firmly that you will not do something that someone has asked you to do: · He stubbornly refused to pay the fine.
formal (=in a determined way)· They are still adamantly refusing to release the data to the general public.
(=refuse, and continue to refuse)· She steadfastly refused to marry him.
· Politicians have consistently refused to listen to us.
(=in a firm and definite way)· He flatly refused to tell me anything.
(=used for emphasis)· Some children simply refuse to do what they’re told.
(=directly and without explanation)· I refused point-blank to let him in.
phrases (=it would be unreasonable or very difficult to refuse)· Going out was the last thing I wanted to do, but I could hardly refuse.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The young men tried to enter a nightclub but were refused admission.· He refused to admit that it was his fault.
(=say no to an application)· Their planning application was rejected because of a lack of parking facilities.
· Relatively few defendants are refused bail.
He has categorically denied his guilt all along.· When the firm applied for consent to build on the site, it was refused.
If you refuse to co-operate, I’ll kill you.· You may be refused credit if you have a bad financial record.
He refused to disclose the identity of the politician. formal (also rubbish disposal British English, garbage disposal American English) (=getting rid of things people throw out of houses, shops etc)· Refuse disposal is the responsibility of county councils.
(=stop someone entering)· He was refused entry to the club because he was wearing trainers.
(also decline an invitation formal)· She turned down an invitation to take part in a televised debate.
(=not be accepted as a member)· She was refused membership of the club because she was a woman.
· Many people felt the law was unfair, and refused to obey it.
(=say no to it)· She declined the offer of a lift.
· Betty's father refused her permission to attend the dance.
He refused point-blank to identify his accomplices. (also turn down somebody’s request)· He rejected their request for a meeting.· This request was turned down because of the cost.
Even under torture, Maskell refused to talk.· The Lebanese embassy refused him a visa.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· It still refuses to join the United Nations, though it is happy to welcome its free-spending bureaucracies in Geneva.· Imam Malik still refused to take back his words.· It still refuses to join peacekeeping operations in less harmonious countries.· Mulholland, of course, knew this, but still refused to build the dam at Long Valley.· Campaigners against the arms trade also voiced concern that the Government is still refusing to allow Parliament proper scrutiny of exports.· And immigration is still refusing to see that this man deserves consideration for his sacrifice.· I do about three hundred sit-ups a day and it still refuses to firm up, but what else can I do?· Two kids still refused to write unless I helped them right then and there.
NOUN· Maybe he's moonlighting on an offer he couldn't refuse.· The offer of food was refused but food came anyway.· Please contact the Office if you are interested-no reasonable offer will be refused!· As the bribe would hardly benefit a dead man, not surprisingly the offer was refused.· It was so hot and dry, another party on Gimer made us an offer we couldn't refuse.· And make him an offer he couldn't refuse.· Stratton was presented with an offer he could hardly refuse.
· Had he refused her permission to marry?· However, one month after this deadline Judge Gilbert Thiel in Nancy refused permission for the objects to leave the city.· He faced up to the notorious Chelsea Boot Boys with an electrified fence but was refused permission to switch it on.· Members of the economic development and planning subcommittee voted to refuse planning permission after a site visit yesterday.· The reasons for the Council's decision to refuse permission for the development are set out in the attached schedule.· In another case, the committee has refused permission for health authorities to link their computer files with personal tax records.· The council says a holy coal house doesn't qualify as a home improvement and has refused planning permission.· Furthermore, an applicant who had been refused planning permission could appeal to the ministry.
· The driver refused her requests for his number, and dumped her at the next stop.· A judge refused last week a request by rival insurers to remove the Pennsylvania regulator from ruling on the case.· It has refused the Cree's request for an undertaking not to commence logging until their outstanding land claim has been settled.· To date, the Planning Department has refused the request, choosing instead to prepare a brief addendum.· The small number of refused requests may appear unusual.· But the judge refused a prosecution request to keep the accused rapist in jail by increasing his bail to $ 1 million.· Technically she might also refuse a request for a dissolution, although it is hard to imagine her ever doing so.
She asked him to leave, but he refused.refuse to do something The chairman refused to answer any more questions. I absolutely refuse to take part in anything illegal.flatly refuse/refuse point-blank (to do something) (=refuse immediately and directly without giving a reason) Mom flatly refused to go back into the hospital.2[intransitive, transitive] to say no to something that you have been offered SYN turn down: She refused a second piece of cake. The offer seemed too good to refuse. When they offered all that money, I could hardly refuse, could I? (=it was very unlikely that you would refuse)3[transitive] to not give or allow someone something that they want, especially when they have asked for it officiallyrefuse somebody something She was refused a work permit.COLLOCATIONSadverbsstubbornly refuse· He stubbornly refused to pay the fine.adamantly refuse formal (=in a determined way)· They are still adamantly refusing to release the data to the general public.steadfastly refuse (=refuse, and continue to refuse)· She steadfastly refused to marry him.consistently refuse· Politicians have consistently refused to listen to us.flatly refuse (=in a firm and definite way)· He flatly refused to tell me anything.simply refuse (=used for emphasis)· Some children simply refuse to do what they’re told.refuse point-blank (=directly and without explanation)· I refused point-blank to let him in.phrasessomebody can hardly refuse (=it would be unreasonable or very difficult to refuse)· Going out was the last thing I wanted to do, but I could hardly refuse.THESAURUSrefuse to say firmly that you will not do something that someone has asked you to do: · I asked the bank for a loan, but they refused.· When they refused to leave, we had to call the police.say no spoken to say that you will not do something when someone asks you: · They asked me so nicely that I couldn’t really say no.turn somebody/something down to refuse to accept an offer or invitation, or a formal request: · They offered me the job but I turned it down.· The board turned down a request for $25,000 to sponsor an art exhibition.· I’ve already been turned down by three colleges.reject to refuse to accept an idea, offer, suggestion, or plan: · They rejected the idea because it would cost too much money.· The Senate rejected a proposal to limit the program to two years.decline formal to politely refuse to accept an offer or invitation, or refuse to do something: · She has declined all offers of help.· A palace spokesman declined to comment on the rumours.deny to refuse to allow someone to do something or enter somewhere: · They were denied permission to publish the book.· He was denied access to the US.veto to officially refuse to allow a law or plan, or to refuse to accept someone’s suggestion: · Congress vetoed the bill.· The suggestion was quickly vetoed by the other members of the team.disallow to officially refuse to accept something because someone has broken the rules, or not done it in the correct way: · The goal was disallowed by the referee.· The court decided to disallow his evidence.rebuff formal to refuse to accept someone’s offer, request, or suggestion: · The company raised its offer to $6 billion, but was rebuffed.· He was politely rebuffed when he suggested holding the show in Dublin.give somebody/something the thumbs down informal to refuse to allow or accept a plan or suggestion: · The plan was given the thumbs down by the local authority.· They gave us the thumbs down.refuse1 verbrefuse2 noun
refuseref‧use2 /ˈrefjuːs/ noun [uncountable] formal WORD ORIGINrefuse2
Origin:
1300-1400 Old French refus, from refuser; ➔ REFUSE1EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Refuse collection has been seriously affected by the strike.
- facilities for recycling household refuse
- Heaps of decaying refuse littered every street.
- We are gradually developing safer and more effective methods of refuse disposal.
- Paul's guide to this mighty sauce is three large refuse sacks of breadcrumbs to 60 pints of milk.
- The colonies were a disposal area for social refuse.
- This was made up of the organic residues of farms, forestry, industry and domestic refuse.
- Workers on Monday mucked out basement and main-floor refuse left by the water.
THESAURUS
especially British English things that people throw away, such as old food, dirty paper etc: · People are being encouraged to recycle their household rubbish.· the rubbish bin
American English rubbish: · The garbage is collected every Tuesday.· There were piles of trash in the backyard.· a black plastic garbage bag
formal rubbish: · The strike has disrupted refuse collection.· It’s a site which is used for domestic refuse.
empty bottles, pieces of paper etc that people have dropped on the ground: · Parents should teach children not to drop litter.· There was a lot of litter on the beach.
rubbish, or materials that need to be dealt with after they have been used in industrial processes: · nuclear waste· toxic waste· household waste· The company was fined for dumping toxic waste in the sea.
Longman Language Activatorto say that you will not do something to tell someone firmly that you will not do something they asked you to do: · I asked Stevie if she would help us, but she refused.refuse to do something: · If they refuse to leave, call the police.· The church refused to give legitimacy to the new state.flatly refuse (=refuse without explanation in a way that seems unreasonable): · Mother flatly refused to see the doctor.
when someone refuses to do something that they have been asked to do: · He was upset by her refusal.· His request for a bigger room met with a blunt refusal.refusal to do something: · She must understand the consequences of her refusal to accept medical treatment.· Refusal to do military service was a criminal offence.
especially spoken to tell someone that you will not do what they asked you to do: · I asked Dad to lend me some money, but he said no.say no no: · They asked me so nicely, I couldn't really say no to them.
especially spoken if someone will not or won't do something that they have been asked to do or told to do, they are determined not to do it: · He won't do anything that I ask him to do.· I won't sign the contract unless they offer me more money.
to refuse to do something - use this when you think it is wrong or unfair that anyone should expect you to do something: · I'm not prepared to wait any longer.· The landlord says that he is not prepared to pay for the repairs.
to allow certain things, but feel that you must refuse when a particular point is reached: · Our rules about time-keeping are fairly flexible, but we have to draw the line somewhere.draw the line at: · I don't mind your brother coming to stay, but I draw the line at him moving in!
formal to politely refuse to do what someone has asked you to do, especially when they have asked for your opinion or asked for information: · When asked to comment on details of the agreement, the President declined.decline to do something: · A security officer at the factory, who declined to give his name, said he had seen two men leave the building.· I asked Mr Hughes if he was satisfied with the jury's verdict but he declined to comment.
what you say when you refuse to do something · "Can you come and help move these boxes?" "No, sorry, I'm busy."· "You're sick - you need to stay in bed." "No, I have to be at this meeting."
spoken use this to firmly refuse to do something and say that nothing will change your mind: · "Why don't you phone him and apologize.'' "No way -- I haven't done anything wrong!''· No way am I going to look after all three children on my own!· There's no way I'm going to put up with rudeness like that!
spoken use this to tell someone that there is no chance at all of you doing something: · "Maybe things will sort themselves out in time." "Forget it, the relationship's over."· As for the idea of going on holiday together, forget it!
British spoken use this when you think that what someone has asked you to do is stupid or dangerous: · "Are you coming to that lecture this evening?" "Not likely - there's free beer at the Queen's Arms tonight!"
British spoken that's final American spoken used after you have refused to do something, in order to show that you will not change your mind or discuss your decision: · I'm not coming, and that's flat. Now stop bothering me.· There's no way I'm helping Ted move again, and that's final.
to refuse to give someone something: refuse somebody something · He was unable to attend the meeting in Moscow, because the Russian authorities had refused him a visa.· You wouldn't refuse an old friend a favour, would you?refuse something to somebody · Some banks are threatening to refuse loans to anyone who cannot provide suitable guarantees.
if someone in authority denies someone something that they want, for example money, a right, or the chance to do something, they refuse to give it to them: deny somebody something: · His parents denied him the opportunity to go to university.be denied something: · The scientists have been denied the necessary funds for their research program.· Up to 450 disaster victims were denied compensation by their insurers.· She has been denied the right to appeal to the Supreme Court.
to refuse to give someone something that they want - use this especially in official or legal contexts: · The new law allows you to withhold payment if you think a bill is incorrect.withhold something from somebody: · Doctors do not have the right to withhold necessary treatment from a patient.
to move over a surface while pressing against it British all the paper, empty bottles, cans, pieces of food etc that you throw away: · The dustmen collect the rubbish on Wednesdays.· There was rubbish and broken glass all over the grass.put/take out the rubbish (=put it in a rubbish bin outside your house ready to be collected): · Don't forget to put the rubbish out before you go to bed.a rubbish bin (=a container for rubbish): · Two stolen paintings have been found dumped in a rubbish bin.rubbish dump/tip (=a large open area where people's rubbish is taken after it is collected): · I rescued this table from a rubbish dump.
American all the paper, empty bottles, cans, pieces of food etc that you throw away: · There were piles of trash in the backyard.take out the garbage/trash (=put it in a garbage can outside your house ready to be collected): · I do all the chores, from picking up the groceries to taking out the garbage.garbage/trash can (=a container for garbage): · Will someone please empty this trash can!garbage truck (=a truck that takes away garbage): · Ken drives a garbage truck for a living.
paper that you throw away, especially because it has been used: · There are two bins. One is for glass and one is for waste paper.waste paper binBritish /waste paper basket American: · She crumpled the letter up and put it in the waste paper basket.
empty bottles, packets, and pieces of paper that people have dropped on the street or in a park: · These streets are full of litter.drop litter: · You can be fined £100 for dropping litter.pick up litter: · I am tired of picking up litter thrown by other people.litter binBritish /litter basket American (=a container for litter): · a picnic area with large wooden tables and litter bins
formal all the things that are regularly thrown away from the houses, shops etc in an area: · Heaps of decaying refuse littered every street. refuse collection: · Refuse collection has been seriously affected by the strike.refuse disposal (=destroying or burying refuse): · We are gradually developing safer and more effective methods of refuse disposal.household/domestic refuse (=refuse from houses): · facilities for recycling household refuse
useless materials which are left over, especially after an industrial process, and which must be thrown away: · Too much waste has been dumped into the North Sea.industrial/chemical/nuclear waste: · Industrial waste had leaked into the water supply.radioactive/toxic/hazardous waste: · The government has announced a ban on all imports of toxic waste from abroad.waste disposal (=destroying or burying waste): · The costs of waste disposal are rising all the time.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The young men tried to enter a nightclub but were refused admission. He has categorically denied his guilt all along. If you refuse to co-operate, I’ll kill you. He refused to disclose the identity of the politician. He refused point-blank to identify his accomplices. Even under torture, Maskell refused to talk.
waste material that has been thrown away SYN rubbish British English, trash, garbage American English: The young men tried to enter a nightclub but were refused admission.· He refused to admit that it was his fault.
(=say no to an application)· Their planning application was rejected because of a lack of parking facilities.
· Relatively few defendants are refused bail.
He has categorically denied his guilt all along.· When the firm applied for consent to build on the site, it was refused.
If you refuse to co-operate, I’ll kill you.· You may be refused credit if you have a bad financial record.
He refused to disclose the identity of the politician. formal (also rubbish disposal British English, garbage disposal American English) (=getting rid of things people throw out of houses, shops etc)· Refuse disposal is the responsibility of county councils.
(=stop someone entering)· He was refused entry to the club because he was wearing trainers.
(also decline an invitation formal)· She turned down an invitation to take part in a televised debate.
(=not be accepted as a member)· She was refused membership of the club because she was a woman.
· Many people felt the law was unfair, and refused to obey it.
(=say no to it)· She declined the offer of a lift.
· Betty's father refused her permission to attend the dance.
He refused point-blank to identify his accomplices. (also turn down somebody’s request)· He rejected their request for a meeting.· This request was turned down because of the cost.
Even under torture, Maskell refused to talk.· The Lebanese embassy refused him a visa.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· As with domestic refuse, the problems of methane gas generation also exist when disposing of industrial waste underground.· This was made up of the organic residues of farms, forestry, industry and domestic refuse.· Unlike habitation sites, they have little domestic refuse and, unlike cemetery sites, they do not normally contain burials.
NOUN· A number of local authorities, for example, put out refuse collection to private tender.· The main tasks of the non-metropolitan districts were concerned with housing and basic services such as street cleaning and refuse collection.· But it was opposed by the Senate's Environment Committee, industry, local authority refuse collection agencies and environmentalists.
· Aylesbury's refuse collectors are out on the job around seven hours a day.· This was demonstrated in the resettlement of Vila Planetario, a squatter settlement of refuse collectors in the centre of the city.· Many were formed from the grouping together of small refuse collectors.· Whether one considers lawyers and doctors as more important than farm labourers and refuse collectors is simply a matter of opinion.
· This aims to reduce the mounting flood of household refuse, which currently stands at 70 million tonnes a year.· Talk is of household refuse trains going back to the moth-balled Gobowen to Nanbrynmawr line - from Manchester.
a refuse dumphousehold/domestic refuse refuse collection