English
denial
Pronunciation
  • (America, RP) IPA: /dɪˈnaɪ.əl/
Noun

denial

  1. (logic) The negation in logic.
    The denial of "There might be X" is the null, "False, there is no X."
  2. A refusal to comply with a request.
    Every time we asked for an interview we got a denial.
  3. An assertion of untruth.
    The singer has issued a sweeping denial of all the rumors.
  4. Refusal to believe a problem exists
    We couldn't break through his denial about being alcoholic.
  5. (dated, psychology) A defense mechanism involving a refusal to accept the truth of a phenomenon or prospect.
    • 2007 Feb. 11, "No facts, just emotion ↗," Washington Times (retrieved 11 June 2013):
      "Denial" came out of the therapyspeak prevalent in the middle of the 20th century, especially as it was applied to confronting the reality of mortality. It was popularized as the first stage of grief, and quickly expanded to include refusal to confront any bad news or disturbing ideas.
    He is in denial that he has a drinking problem.
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