denial
word
/dɪˈnaɪəɫ/
di-NY-uhl
/dɪnˈaɪəl/
di-NY-uhl
Definition
The act of saying something is not true or refusing to accept a fact. In psychology, it can also mean not admitting a problem or reality to yourself.
Usage & Nuances
Often used to talk about refusing unpleasant truths ('in denial'). Formal word, common in legal, medical, and psychological contexts. Do not confuse with 'refusal' (directly turning down something). In conversation, 'in denial' often suggests someone avoids facing reality.
Spanish: negación - rechazo (psicología)Portuguese (BR): negação - recusa (psicologia)Portuguese (PT): negação - recusa (psicologia)Chinese (Simplified): 否认 - 拒绝承认 (心理学)Chinese (Traditional): 否認 - 拒絕承認 (心理學)Hindi: इनकार - अस्वीकार (मनोविज्ञान)Arabic: إنكار - رفض (علم النفس)Bengali: অস্বীকার - অস্বীকৃতিRussian: отрицаниеJapanese: 否定 - 否認Vietnamese: sự phủ nhận - sự chối bỏKorean: 부정 - 거부Turkish: inkârUrdu: انکارIndonesian: penyangkalan
Example Sentences
The company issued a denial about the rumor.
basic
Her denial was clear and firm.
basic
Many people stay in denial about their bad habits.
natural
He's in total denial about needing help.
natural
Her laugh was a kind of denial when confronted with the truth.
natural
His denial surprised everyone in the room.
basic