Usage Note
Refuser takes a direct object for the thing refused and de + infinitive for a refused action: refuser une offre (to refuse an offer), il a refusé de partir (he refused to leave). In everyday French, je refuse said firmly carries the same weight as 'I won't have it'. The noun refus means 'refusal' or 'rejection'.
Examples
"Elle a refusé de répondre à la question."
Natural Translation
She refused to answer the question.
Related Words
Explore French by topic