American Dictionary

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Definition deny in American English

deny verb

[transitive] verb
/dɪˈnaɪ/
1

to say that you did not do something that someone has accused you of doing

Example

A spokesman denied that the company had acted irresponsibly.

Example

He still denies murdering his wife.

Example

Both men have denied the allegations.

Example

All three athletes vehemently deny taking the drug.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to say that something is not true or does not exist

Example

He has denied rumors that he is having an affair with a government official.

Example

Officials continue to deny that drug use is widespread in the sport.

Synonyms and related words
2

to say that you do not know a particular person or do not have a particular belief or opinion

Example

Denying his friend was the only way to survive.

Example

Neither man was prepared to deny his religion.

Synonyms and related words
3

to refuse to admit to yourself or other people that you have a particular feeling, illness, or problem

Example

I had been denying this anger for years.

Synonyms and related words
4

to not allow someone to have something

Example

He had been denied the right to speak to his lawyer.

Example

There are parents who refuse to deny their children anything.

Synonyms and related words
4.1

to stop an opponent from winning or scoring

Example

The home team was denied victory in the dying minutes of the game.

Synonyms and related words
Definition deny in American English