denial
Etymology

From deny + -al.

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

denial

  1. An assertion of untruth.
    The singer has issued a sweeping denial of all the rumors.
  2. (logic) The negation in logic.
    The denial of "There might be X" is the null, "False, there is no X."
  3. A refusal or failure to provide or grant something that is requested or desired.
    The denial of medical treatment to those who cannot afford to pay is scandalous.
    I cannot understand the bank's denial of my loan application.
    Every time we asked for an interview we got a denial.
  4. Refusal to believe that a problem exists.
    We couldn't break through his denial about being alcoholic.
  5. Refusal to admit responsibility for wrongdoing.
  6. Negationism, denialism of historical facts or accepted interpretation.
  7. (psychology) A defense mechanism involving a refusal to accept the truth of a phenomenon or prospect.
    He is in denial that he has a drinking problem.
  8. A disownment or disavowal
    The denial of Jesus by Peter.
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