verb

reject

To refuse to accept, approve, or use something.

The committee rejects the proposal because it costs too much.

Etymology

The parts mean throwing back. Rejecting something figuratively sends it away instead of admitting it into use or acceptance.

More examples

  • You can reject the offer and keep looking.
  • The machine rejected my wrinkled dollar bill.
  • She rejects the idea that success depends on luck.

Forms

reject · rejects · rejected · rejecting

rejection noun — The act of refusing to accept something.

Similar words

refuse
Also covers choosing not to perform an action.
decline
Often suggests politely turning down an offer or invitation.
dismiss
Often means deciding something is not worth considering.