Approval denied, it appears, for refuge (4)
I believe the answer is:
nook
'for refuge' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'approval denied it' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'approval' could be 'ok' (OK is an example) and 'ok' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'no' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'appears' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nook that I've seen before include "Secluded spot" , "Comfortable corner" , "Sheltered and secluded place" , "Corner - narrow recess" , "Alcove" .)