Denial vs. Deny — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 22, 2024
Denial is a noun representing the act of refusing to acknowledge the truth or existence of something, whereas deny is a verb that involves the act of rejecting a statement, belief, or request.
Difference Between Denial and Deny
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Key Differences
Denial is the state or act of declaring something to be untrue, like being in denial about a problem. On the other hand, to deny is to actively refuse to accept or acknowledge something, such as denying a rumor.
Denial can often involve a psychological aspect, where one might be in denial about a personal issue. Whereas, deny usually involves a conscious decision to refute or reject something, like denying permission.
In legal contexts, a denial is a formal statement asserting that something alleged is not true. Conversely, to deny in this context means to make such a statement, like denying allegations in a courtroom.
Denial can also be a mechanism for coping with difficult realities, implying a passive or subconscious aspect. On the other hand, to deny something can be an active and deliberate action, like denying a fact to protect one's reputation.
Denial can sometimes be collective, as in a group's denial of a historical event. In contrast, to deny is often a personal action, such as an individual denying responsibility.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Verb
Definition
The act of refusing to acknowledge the truth or existence of something.
To refuse to accept or acknowledge something as true.
Psychological Aspect
Often involves subconscious refusal to accept reality.
Involves a conscious decision to refute or reject.
Legal Context
A formal statement asserting the untruth of something alleged.
The act of making such a statement.
Nature
Can be passive or subconscious.
Active and deliberate.
Usage
Often used to describe a state of being or a mechanism.
Used to describe an action taken by an individual or entity.
Compare with Definitions
Denial
Refusal to acknowledge the truth.
His denial of the events surprised everyone.
Deny
To reject a request or proposal.
The committee denied the application.
Denial
A defense mechanism.
Denial can be a way of coping with emotional pain.
Deny
To refuse to admit the truth.
He denied all the accusations against him.
Denial
Non-acceptance of reality.
Denial of her illness only delayed the treatment.
Deny
To assert that something is not true.
She denied having any knowledge of the plan.
Denial
Collective refusal to accept facts.
There's a societal denial about climate change.
Deny
To refuse to acknowledge a person's rights.
The law denies citizens the right to protest.
Denial
In legal terms, a formal refutation.
The defendant's denial was expected.
Deny
To withhold something.
They denied him entry to the club.
Denial
Denial, in ordinary English usage, is asserting that a statement or allegation is not true (which might be accurate or inaccurate). It may also mean the refusal of a request, but this article covers denial of true factual claims.
Deny
To declare untrue; assert to be false
"A senior officer denied that any sensitive documents had been stored there" (Scott Ritter).
Denial
A refusal to comply with or satisfy a request.
Deny
To refuse to believe; reject
Deny the existence of evil spirits.
Denial
A refusal to grant the truth of a statement or allegation; a contradiction.
Deny
To refuse to recognize or acknowledge; disavow
The official denied any wrongdoing.
Denial
(Law) The formal challenge by a defendant of the truth of an allegation made by the plaintiff.
Deny
To decline to grant or allow; refuse
Deny the student's request.
Denied the prisoner food or water.
Denial
A refusal to accept or believe something, such as a doctrine or belief.
Deny
To give a refusal to; turn down or away
The protesters were determined not to be denied.
Denial
(Psychology) An unconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings.
Deny
To restrain (oneself) especially from indulgence in pleasures.
Denial
The act of disowning or disavowing; repudiation.
Deny
(transitive) To disallow or reject.
I wanted to go to the party, but I was denied.
Denial
Abstinence; self-denial.
Deny
(transitive) To assert that something is not true.
I deny that I was at the party.
Everyone knows he committed the crime, but he still denies it.
Denial
An assertion of untruth.
The singer has issued a sweeping denial of all the rumors.
Deny
(ditransitive) To refuse to give or grant something to someone.
My father denied me a good education.
Denial
(logic) The negation in logic.
The denial of "There might be X" is the null, "False, there is no X."
Deny
To take something away from someone; to deprive of.
Denial
A refusal or failure to provide or grant something that is requested or desired.
The denial of medical treatment to those who cannot afford to pay is scandalous.
I cannot understand the bank's denial of my loan application.
Every time we asked for an interview we got a denial.
Deny
To prevent from scoring.
Denial
Refusal to believe that a problem exists.
We couldn't break through his denial about being alcoholic.
Deny
To disclaim connection with, responsibility for, etc.; to refuse to acknowledge; to disown; to abjure; to disavow.
Denial
(psychology) A defense mechanism involving a refusal to accept the truth of a phenomenon or prospect.
He is in denial that he has a drinking problem.
Deny
(obsolete) To refuse (to do or accept something).
Denial
A disownment or disavowal
The denial of Jesus by Peter.
Deny
To declare not to be true; to gainsay; to contradict; - opposed to affirm, allow, or admit.
Denial
The act of gainsaying, refusing, or disowning; negation; - the contrary of affirmation.
You ought to converse with so much sincerity that your bare affirmation or denial may be sufficient.
Deny
To refuse (to do something or to accept something); to reject; to decline; to renounce.
Denial
A refusal to admit the truth of a statement, charge, imputation, etc.; assertion of the untruth of a thing stated or maintained; a contradiction.
Deny
To refuse to grant; to withhold; to refuse to gratify or yield to; as, to deny a request.
Who finds not Providence all good and wise,Alike in what it gives, and what denies?
To some men, it is more agreeable to deny a vicious inclination, than to gratify it.
Denial
A refusal to grant; rejection of a request.
The commissioners, . . . to obtain from the king's subjects as much as they would willingly give, . . . had not to complain of many peremptory denials.
Deny
To disclaim connection with, responsibility for, and the like; to refuse to acknowledge; to disown; to abjure; to disavow.
The falsehood of denying his opinion.
Thou thrice denied, yet thrice beloved.
Let him deny himself, and take up his cross.
Denial
A refusal to acknowledge; disclaimer of connection with; disavowal; - the contrary of confession; as, the denial of a fault charged on one; a denial of God.
Deny
To answer in negative; to declare an assertion not to be true.
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid.
Denial
The act of refusing to comply (as with a request);
It resulted in a complete denial of his privileges
Deny
Declare untrue; contradict;
He denied the allegations
She denied that she had taken money
Denial
The act of asserting that something alleged is not true
Deny
Refuse to accept or believe;
He denied his fatal illness
Denial
(psychiatry) a defense mechanism that denies painful thoughts
Deny
Refuse to grant, as of a petition or request;
The dean denied the students' request for more physics courses
The prisoners were denied the right to exercise for more than 2 hours a day
Denial
Renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others
Deny
Refuse to let have;
She denies me every pleasure
He denies her her weekly allowance
Denial
A defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him;
He gave evidence for the defense
Deny
Deny oneself (something); restrain, especially from indulging in some pleasure;
She denied herself wine and spirits
Deny
Deny formally (an allegation of fact by the opposing party) in a legal suit
Deny
Refuse to recognize or acknowledge;
Peter denied Jesus
Common Curiosities
What is denial?
Denial is the act of refusing to acknowledge the truth or existence of something, often as a psychological defense mechanism.
What does it mean to deny something?
To deny something means to refuse to accept or acknowledge it as true, often involving a conscious decision.
Is denying always a negative action?
Denying is not always negative; it can be a protective response in certain situations, such as denying false accusations.
Can denial be harmful?
Denial can be harmful if it prevents individuals from facing and dealing with reality, leading to unresolved issues.
What's the difference between denying and lying?
Denying involves refusing to accept the truth, while lying involves deliberately making a false statement.
Can a group be in denial?
Yes, groups can exhibit collective denial, often seen in refusing to acknowledge historical truths or societal problems.
How does one move past denial?
Moving past denial involves recognizing the reality of the situation and dealing with the underlying issues.
How is denial used in therapy?
In therapy, denial is explored as a defense mechanism that might hinder personal growth and the resolution of issues.
Can denial ever be beneficial?
In some cases, denial can be a temporary coping mechanism that helps individuals deal with immediate emotional shock.
What are the consequences of denial in healthcare?
In healthcare, denial can delay treatment and negatively affect outcomes by preventing timely intervention.
Can denial affect relationships?
Denial can strain relationships if it leads to avoidance of addressing critical issues or truths.
How does culture influence denial?
Cultural beliefs and norms can influence what is socially acceptable to deny or accept, affecting collective denial.
Is denial always conscious?
Denial can be both conscious and unconscious, depending on the individual's awareness of their refusal to accept reality.
How do legal systems address denial?
Legal systems address denial through evidence and argumentation to establish the truth of the matter in dispute.
How can one overcome denial?
Overcoming denial often involves self-reflection, acceptance of reality, and seeking support from others or professional help.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
