denying

7 definitions • 17 examples

present participle of

to say that something is not true:

deny allegations He will not confirm or deny the allegations.

[ + that ] Neil denies that he broke the window, but I'm sure he did.

[ + -ing verb ] Neil denies breaking the window.

it is true:

There's no denying that this has been a difficult year for the company.

to not allow someone to have or do something:

Her request for time off work was denied.

deny someone something The goalkeeper denied him his third goal.

No one should be denied a good education.

I was denied the opportunity of learning French at school.

be denied to A good education should be denied to no one.

to not admit that you have knowledge, responsibility, feelings, etc.:

deny responsibility He denied all responsibility for the rumours which have been circulating.

deny knowledge Alice denied any knowledge of the matter.

Even under torture, he refused to deny his beliefs/faith.

to not allow yourself to have or do things:

Many parents deny themselves so that their children can have the best.

Come on, join us for some dessert. Don't deny yourself!

He has denied himself the opportunity to meet someone and fall in love.

I think she feels morally superior when she denies herself.

to refuse to admit that you have any connection with something or someone:

She has denied her family and refuses to have any contact with them.