Meaning & Definition of word "Denial"
to
Denial
/dɪˈnaɪ.əl/
noun:
- 1. The action of declaring something to be untrue.
- Example: His denial of any wrongdoing was met with skepticism.
- 2. A refusal to acknowledge the existence or truth of something.
- Example: In her denial of the diagnosis, she ignored the medical advice.
- 3. A psychological defense mechanism by which a person refuses to accept reality or facts.
- Example: His denial of grief was evident as he laughed during the memorial service.
- 4. The refusal to grant a request or a right.
- Example: The denial of his application for a visa left him feeling frustrated.
Etymology
From Latin 'denialis', from 'deniare', meaning 'to refuse'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
state of denial:
An inability to accept reality or fact.
denial of service:
An attack on a network or service aimed at making it unavailable.
denial syndrome:
A condition where a person refuses to accept a painful or distressing reality.
Related Words
refusal:
The act of saying that you will not do or accept something.
disavowal:
The act of denying any responsibility or support for something.
rejection:
The act of dismissing or refusing something.
Slang Meanings of denial
Meaning: In the context of personal issues, implies ignoring a problem.
Example Sentence: He's in total denial about losing his job.
Meaning: Refusal to face an obvious truth.
Example Sentence: She’s living in denial if she thinks he’ll come back.