zurückweisen
/t͡suˈʁʏkˌvaɪ̯zn̩/To refuse or dismiss something or someone in a formal or authoritative manner.
Die Regierung wies die Forderungen der Opposition zurück.
The government rejected the opposition's demands.
Er wies die Vorwürfe als unbegründet zurück.
He dismissed the accusations as unfounded.
Commonly used in legal, administrative, or official contexts.
To push someone or something away physically.
Sie wies ihn mit einer Handbewegung zurück.
She pushed him away with a hand gesture.
Less common than the figurative meaning.
Collocations
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Antonyms
💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'zurückweisen' in formal contexts (e.g., legal, administrative). In casual conversation, prefer 'ablehnen' or 'nicht akzeptieren'.
⚡Gold Rule
Context Matters
The meaning of 'zurückweisen' depends heavily on context. In legal contexts, it often translates to 'reject' or 'dismiss', while in physical contexts, it means 'push away'.
📖Word Origin
From 'zurück' (back) + 'weisen' (to point, indicate), originally meaning 'to send back'. The figurative sense of 'rejecting' developed in the 18th century.
📝Usage Notes
Primarily used in formal contexts. In everyday speech, 'ablehnen' or 'zurückweisen' are often interchangeable, but 'zurückweisen' carries a stronger sense of dismissal or refusal.