verweigern
Translation
to refuse, to deny, to decline
Examples
Er verweigerte die Aussage.
He refused to testify.
Man hat ihm die Einreise verweigert.
He was denied entry.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to refuse sth. He refused to testify.
((sb.dat)) ((sth.acc)) to deny sb. sth. They denied him entry.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ablehnen, abschlagen; Antonyms: genehmigen, gewähren, erlauben
Etymology
Composed of the prefix 'ver-' (often negative or completive) and 'weigern' (to refuse). 'Weigern' is a cognate of the English word 'waive'.
Memory Tips
The 'ver-' prefix often implies something going against or away. You are strongly refusing, or 'waiving' away, a demand.