noun
denial
dih-NEYE-uhl
noun
1
A refusal to admit that something is true.
"His denial of the affair only made things worse."
"The company issued a firm denial of the allegations."
2
A refusal to accept an unpleasant truth or reality, often as a psychological coping mechanism.
"She was in denial about how serious the diagnosis was."
3
A refusal to grant or provide something requested.
"The bank's denial of the loan left them scrambling for funds."
How to Use Denial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSaying something isn't true, or refusing to face up to a hard reality, or turning down a request.
Common pairings
in denial
flat denial
denial of service
Word Forms
denials plural
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His _____ of the affair only made things worse.
Etymology
Formed from deny plus the noun suffix -al.