deny
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to say that a statement is not true or that you did not do something.
to declare that an allegation or statement is untrue; to refuse to admit a fault or crime.
Simple“The suspect continued to deny the charges even after the police showed him the video.”
In context“The spokesperson issued a statement to flatly deny the rumours of a merger, calling them entirely speculative and without merit.”
PitfallHe denied to steal the money. He denied stealing the money.After 'deny', use the -ing form of the verb, not the infinitive with 'to'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to refuse to give someone something they have asked for or need.
to refuse to grant a request, right, or privilege to someone. Often used ditransitively.
Simple“The bank decided to deny his application for a loan because of his poor credit history.”
In context“The court ruled that the state could not deny citizens the right to peaceful assembly under the current constitution.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to stop an opponent from getting a point or a goal in a game.
to successfully defend against an opponent's attempt to score or advance.
Simple“The goalkeeper made a brilliant save to deny the striker a last-minute goal.”
In context“The defensive line worked tirelessly to deny the visiting team any significant space in the final third of the pitch.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
to say that you have no connection with someone or that you do not support them anymore.
to refuse to acknowledge a connection with or responsibility for someone or something; to disavow.
Simple“In the story, the man denied his old friends once he became wealthy and famous.”
In context“The senator was forced to deny his former associates after the scandal broke, fearing the political fallout would ruin his career.”
deny vs refuse — Refuse is saying no to an offer or request; deny is saying a statement isn't true or withholding a right.
Usage denied the allegations · denied the claims · denied any wrongdoing