noun

refusal

refusal

His refusal to cooperate was a problem.

His refusal to cooperate was a problem.

I received a flat refusal from the bank.

I received a flat refusal from the bank.

((to-inf)) an act of saying you will not do sth. His refusal to leave caused a scene.

((of sth.)) an act of not accepting sth. The refusal of his request made him angry.

Synonyms: rejection, denial; Antonyms: acceptance, approval

From the verb 'refuse' plus the noun-forming suffix '-al'. 'Refuse' comes from Latin 'refundere' (to pour back), from 're-' (back) + 'fundere' (to pour).

Think of the action 'to refuse' becoming a thing, an 'event'. The '-al' suffix often turns verbs into nouns, like 'arrive' -> 'arrival'.

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