deny
UK[dɪˈnaɪ]US[dɪˈnaɪ]
v
to state that something is not true
v
to refuse to admit or accept something
v
to refuse to give something requested or desired to someone
Etymology
the verb "deny" entered english in the early 14th century from the old french "denier," which itself evolved from the latin verb "denegare." this latin source is a compound of "de-," meaning "completely," and "negare," meaning "to say no, to refuse." the core root "neg-" is of proto-indo-european origin, carrying the fundamental sense of negation. over centuries, the meaning broadened from a simple act of saying "no" to encompass refusals of truth, admission, or requests, solidifying its role as a key term for expressing contradiction and refusal in modern english.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from a single root.
Examples
the company continues to deny any wrongdoing in the matter.
he could not deny the overwhelming evidence presented against his theory.
she was denied access to the confidential files.