deny
UK: dɪˈnaɪ | US: dɪˈnaɪ
Definition
vt. to declare untrue; refuse to accept or acknowledge
vt. to refuse a request or opportunity
vt. to withhold something from someone
Structure
de <away>ny <say>
Etymology
deny = de<away> + ny<say>
- de (prefix): from Latin "de-," meaning "away" or "down," often indicating reversal or negation.
- ny (root): derived from Latin "negare," meaning "to say no" or "refuse."
Etymology Origin:
The word "deny" traces back to Old French "denier," from Latin "denegare" (de- "away" + negare "to refuse"). The core idea revolves around "saying no" or "rejecting," with the prefix intensifying the negation. Over time, it evolved into Middle English as "denien," retaining its strong sense of refusal or contradiction.
Examples
She firmly denied the accusations against her.
The company denied his request for a refund.
He couldn’t deny the truth any longer.
The judge denied the appeal due to lack of evidence.
They were denied entry at the border.