de·ni·al

/dıˈnajəl/ noun, pl -als

1 [count] : a statement saying that something is not true or real : a statement in which someone denies something

She issued a flat/absolute/outright denial of the charges made against her.

The accusations have met with angry denials from school officials.

The city government has been heavily criticized for its denial of the seriousness of the situation.

her denial of responsibility

2 [noncount] psychology : a condition in which someone will not admit that something sad, painful, etc., is true or real

I think she's still in a state of denial about her husband's death. [=she still has not fully accepted that her husband is dead]

— often used in the phrase in denial

He's in denial about his drinking problem. [=he will not admit that he drinks too much alcohol]

3 : the act of not allowing someone to have something

[noncount]

The hardest part of the punishment was the denial of his right to see his children.

The group is protesting the denial of voting rights to convicted felons.

The lawyers were disappointed by the court's denial of their motion to dismiss the case.

[count]

— usually singular

Making false statements on a job application will result in a denial of employment.

The court has issued a denial of their motion.

see also ↑self-denial