deny

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈnʌɪ/

verb (denies, denying, denied)

  • 1 [with object] state that one refuses to admit the truth or existence of: both firms deny any responsibility for the tragedy
  • refuse to admit the truth of (a concept or proposition that is supported by the majority of scientific or historical evidence): an anti-environmentalist campaign group that denies climate change
  • 2 [with two objects] refuse to give (something requested or desired) to (someone): the inquiry was denied access to intelligence sources
  • (deny oneself) refuse to let oneself have something that one desires: he had denied himself sexually for years
  • [with object] archaic refuse access to (someone): the servants are ordered to deny him

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French deni-, stressed stem of deneier, from Latin denegare, from de- 'formally' + negare 'say no'