What does "denial" mean?

1. (saying something is false) a statement saying that something is not true or that you did not do something. 2. (refusing a request) a refusal to give someone something they have asked for, such as a permit or a loan. 3. (refusing to accept reality) a state of mind where you refuse to believe that something unpleasant or painful is true. 4. (logical negation) the act of saying 'no' to a statement in logic or math.

How do you use "denial"?

Often followed by the preposition 'of' or a 'that' clause. Commonly used in administrative or legal contexts regarding applications and rights. Frequently appears in the idiomatic phrase 'in denial'. Used primarily in formal logic and mathematics to describe the relationship between opposing propositions.

denial

US //dɪˈnaɪəɫ// UK //dɪnˈaɪəl// de·nial

1 saying something is false (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a statement saying that something is not true or that you did not do something.

an assertion that an allegation or statement is untrue; a formal disavowal of responsibility or participation.

Example

The politician issued a firm denial of the rumors about his private life.

Example

Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant maintained a flat denial of all charges throughout the trial.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of' or a 'that' clause.
- contradiction
- disavowal
- disclaimer
- admission
- confession
2 refusing a request (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a refusal to give someone something they have asked for, such as a permit or a loan.

the act of refusing to grant or provide something requested or desired.

Example

The bank's denial of her loan application was a major setback for her business.

Example

The repeated denial of basic human rights in the region led to widespread international condemnation and economic sanctions.

Usage

Commonly used in administrative or legal contexts regarding applications and rights.
- approval
- grant

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3 refusing to accept reality (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Psychology

a state of mind where you refuse to believe that something unpleasant or painful is true.

a psychological defense mechanism in which a person rejects the validity of an experience or reality to avoid emotional distress.

Example

He is in denial about his health problems and refuses to see a doctor.

Example

Climate change denial remains a significant hurdle for policymakers attempting to implement long-term environmental strategies.

Usage

Frequently appears in the idiomatic phrase 'in denial'.

Teacher's tip

When used in the phrase 'in denial', it describes a person's mental state rather than a specific spoken statement.
- unawareness
- rejection
- acceptance
- acknowledgment
4 logical negation (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Math

the act of saying 'no' to a statement in logic or math.

the operator or function that reverses the truth value of a proposition.

Example

In this logic puzzle, the denial of the first statement proves the second one is true.

Example

The proof relies on the formal denial of the antecedent to demonstrate that the subsequent conclusion cannot hold.

Usage

Used primarily in formal logic and mathematics to describe the relationship between opposing propositions.
- negation
- contradiction
- affirmation

Origin

From deny + -al.

Idioms1 entry

01
non-denial denial
A statement which appears to deny that something is true, but which, when examined carefully, can be seen to have used diversion, bluster, or ambiguity to avoid making a clear, direct denial.