'refuse' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'refusare,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'fusare' meant 'to pour out.'

'refusare' transformed into the Old French word 'refuser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'refuse' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to pour out again,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to decline or reject.'