denial
UK: dɪˈnaɪəl | US: dɪˈnaɪəl
n. the act of refusing to admit the truth or existence of something
n. a statement that something is not true or does not exist
n. (psychology) a defense mechanism involving the refusal to accept reality
denial = deni<refuse> + al<noun suffix>
- deni (from Latin denegare, meaning "to refuse" or "deny")
- al (noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process, from Latin -alis)
Etymology Origin:
The word "denial" traces back to the Latin denegare ("to deny"), combining de- (completely) + negare ("to refuse"). Over time, it evolved through Old French denier before entering Middle English as denien. The suffix -al was added to form the noun, solidifying its meaning as "the act of refusing or rejecting." The term later gained psychological significance, describing a subconscious refusal to acknowledge painful truths.
His denial of the allegations only made the situation worse.
She shook her head in denial when confronted with the evidence.
The government issued a strong denial of the rumors.
His addiction was fueled by years of self-denial.
In therapy, she worked through her denial of past trauma.