Borrowed into late Middle English from Middle French refusé, past participle of refuser (“to refuse”). Displaced native Middle English wernen (“to refuse”) likely due to the similar sounding Middle English warnen
(intransitive) To decline a request or demand, forbear; to withhold permission.
(ditransitive) To withhold (something) from (someone); to not give it to them or to bar them from having it.
(military) To throw back, or cause to keep back (as the centre, a wing, or a flank), out of the regular alignment when troops are about to engage the enemy.