Deny Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of DENY

[+ object]

1

a

:

to say that something is not true

• He denied the report that he would be quitting his job.
• She denies all the charges that have been made against her.
• I don't deny that I have made some mistakes. [=I admit that I have made some mistakes]
• They are still denying (that) the problem exists.
• The police deny that racism is a problem in the department.
• Yes, I was there. I don't deny it.
• There's no denying [=it is clearly true] that he knows how to run a successful company.

b

:

to refuse to accept or admit (something)

• You can't deny her beauty. = You can't deny that she is beautiful.
• She denied responsibility [=she said that she was not responsible] for the error.

2

:

to refuse to give (something) to someone

:

to prevent someone from having or receiving (something)

• The banks denied [=_refused_] them credit.
• The judge denied their request.
• I don't want to deny them this pleasure. = I don't want to deny this pleasure to them.
• a government that denies its citizens basic freedoms

— see also denied bail at 1bail

deny yourself

:

to not allow yourself to enjoy things or to have the things that you want

• On this diet, I don't feel like I'm denying myself.
• I'm not denying myself the foods that I love, I'm just eating smaller amounts.
• He's always denied himself the simple pleasures in life.