But he was unexpectedly firm in his refusal to let them in.
The refusal to let Murray see his body may have been due to pure spite.
The refusal to let a good scholar see a manuscript or photograph is difficult to defend.
Brian's refusal to speak and let anyone know who he is under the helmet does create some problems.
"A crisis that has been exacerbated by his refusal to let us use effective measures."
The United States' refusal to let him into the country came as a severe disappointment.
Lindsay and his fellow players were upset by the league's refusal to let them view the books related to the pension fund.
The thought came to me that he was dead, that I had killed him with my refusal to let him help.
San Diego's refusal to let other countries in next summer might be its biggest mistake.
This can be a request by the parent or the child, a nag, a refusal to let the children do what they want.