Meaning & Definition of word "Deny"

Deny

/dɪˈnaɪ/

verb:

  • 1. To refuse to admit the truth or existence of something.
    • Example: She denied that she had stolen the money.
  • 2. To refuse to give something to someone.
    • Example: The company denied her request for a raise.
  • 3. To refuse to grant permission.
    • Example: He was denied entry to the club because he was underage.
  • 4. To reject the validity of a statement or claim.
    • Example: The witness denied having seen the accident.

Etymology

Middle English 'denyen', from Anglo-French 'dener', from Latin 'denegare'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

deny a claim:

To refuse to accept that a claim is true.

deny access:

To prevent someone from entering a place.

deny responsibility:

To state that one is not responsible for something.

Related Words

refusal:

The act of saying no or rejecting something.

rejection:

The act of dismissing or refusing something.

disavow:

To deny any responsibility or support for something.

Slang Meanings of deny

Meaning: To ignore or pretend something didn't happen.

Example Sentence: He just denied everything that went down last night.

Meaning: To be in denial about a situation.

Example Sentence: She's in denial about her spending habits.