
Deny
To state that something is not true; to refuse to grant, admit, or acknowledge something.
verbDeny
To state that something is not true; to refuse to grant, admit, or acknowledge something.
verb
Imagine This
Imagine a courtroom scene: a defendant is accused of misconduct, and the judge solemnly declares, 'I deny the charges' as the defendant breathes a sigh of relief. The accuser's claim collapses under the denial.
Sounds Like
/dΙͺΛnaΙͺ/ (dih-NY)
Looks Like
looks like the word 'deny' itself
Remember This
Deny is used to assert that something is false or to refuse permission. It is not identical to 'refuse' in every case, though related; deny usually targets truth or authorization, while refuse may simply mean to decline a request.
Other Forms
Connect With
refuse, reject, disallow, admit, concede
Note
When using deny, you can say 'deny that [clause]' (e.g., 'deny that he did it') or 'deny [something]' (e.g., 'deny him entry'). In formal writing, specify the object or clause being denied for clarity.
Study Deeper
- The defendant denied the allegations against him.
- The airline denied him boarding because his documents were incomplete.
From Latin denegare 'to deny' (de- 'away' + negare 'to deny'), via Old French denier; related to denying or saying no.
Don't Ever Say Yes - to deny is to say no.
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Finesse
noun and verbNoun: refined skill, tact, or diplomacy in handling a situation; Verb: to handle or achieve something with such skill or by clever, delicate maneuvering.
Prudent
adjectiveCareful; using good judgment and foresight.
Consecrate
verbTo make or declare something sacred; to dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose, often through a ceremony.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Concede
verbTo admit that something is true or valid; to yield or grant, especially after negotiation.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
