Denied
/dɪˈnaɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo declare something to be untrue; to refuse to acknowledge or recognize.
/dɪˈnaɪd/
To state that something is not true.
He denied the accusation.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'no, that's not true' or 'I won't accept that.' For example, if your friend asks if you ate the last cookie, and you deny it, it means you're saying you didn't eat it!
👶 For kids: Saying 'no' when someone says something about you or when someone wants you to do something.
More Examples
The company denied all responsibility for the incident.
She denied ever meeting him.
How It's Used
"The defendant denied all charges."
"She denied having seen the letter."
To refuse to give or allow someone something; to withhold.
/dɪˈnaɪd/
To refuse to grant or allow something.
The school denied his request to transfer.
💡 Simply: It’s like saying “no, you can’t have that” or “you’re not allowed.” Like when a parent denies a child candy or a privilege.
👶 For kids: To not let someone have or do something.
More Examples
The system denied access to the database.
They were denied entry into the country.
How It's Used
"The government denied the protestors a permit."
"The bank denied the loan application."
Idioms & expressions
deny oneself
To abstain from something desirable.
"He denied himself the pleasures of alcohol."
From Middle English *denien*, from Old French *denier* (“to deny”), from Latin *dēnegō* (“to deny”), from *dē-* (“away, off”) + *negō* (“to refuse, deny”).
Used since the 13th century, evolving from its early French and Latin roots to encompass various senses of rejection and refusal.
Memory tip
Imagine a gatekeeper shaking their head, refusing entry (denying access).
Word Origin
"to deny, refuse"