verweigern
Translation
to refuse, to deny, to decline
Examples
Der Soldat verweigert den Befehl.
The soldier refuses the order.
Man hat ihm die Hilfe verweigert.
He was denied help.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.dat)) ((sth.acc)) to refuse/deny sb. sth. The authority denied him the visa.
((sth.acc)) to refuse sth. The defendant refuses to testify.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ablehnen, abschlagen; Antonyms: zustimmen, gewähren, akzeptieren
Etymology
From 'ver-' (a prefix often with a negative or completive sense) and 'weigern' (to refuse). The root is related to Old High German 'weigaron' (to struggle against).
Memory Tips
The 'ver-' prefix often implies something going wrong or away. 'weigern' sounds a bit like 'wavering' and then deciding against something firmly.