sich weigern
Translation
to refuse, to decline
Examples
Er weigerte sich, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
He refused to tell the truth.
Sie weigert sich, Hilfe anzunehmen.
She refuses to accept help.
Grammar Patterns
sich weigern, ((to do sth.)) to refuse to do sth. Er weigerte sich zu helfen.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ablehnen (to reject), verweigern (to deny); Antonyms: zustimmen (to agree), annehmen (to accept)
Etymology
Derived from Old High German 'wigarōn,' meaning 'to struggle against.' The reflexive 'sich' emphasizes the personal nature of the refusal.
Memory Tips
The 'sich' is key; it's a personal refusal. Imagine someone 'waving away' an offer vigorously.