verb
1
BAD : He refused their lifestyle and decided to seek a simpler alternative.
GOOD : He rejected their lifestyle and decided to seek a simpler alternative.
BAD : I refuse the idea that men and women are psychologically different.
GOOD : I reject the idea that men and women are psychologically different.
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refuse = say no (when someone wants you to do or accept something): 'Some of the staff refuse to attend lunchtime meetings.' 'We can't possibly refuse the invitation.' 'Simon had to refuse the job offer because it would have meant moving house again.'
reject = say that you do not support (an idea, belief, suggestion, plan, proposal, etc): 'Vegetarians reject the theory that you must eat meat to get all the nutrients you need.' 'The belief that a woman's place is in the home has been widely rejected.'
2
BAD : He felt refused by the man he admired most.
GOOD : He felt rejected by the man he admired most.
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If someone makes you feel that you are no longer loved, needed etc, they reject you (and you feel rejected ): 'It's terrible to feel rejected by someone you care for.'