Verb (5-dan, る, transitive)
1. to refuse; to reject; to dismiss; to turn down; to decline
でも、彼に断られたら私は困る。But if he refuses me, I will be in trouble.
2. to inform; to give notice; to ask in advance (and get approval); to get permission
最初に断っておくけど、私は付き合わされただけなの。Let me make it clear from the start: I was just dragged along.
3. to ask leave; to excuse oneself (from)