denial

Definition

  • noun: a statement saying that something is not true or real
  • noun: refusal to satisfy a request or desire
  • often used in the phrase 'in denial'
  • synonyms: negation, contradiction, disavowal

Examples

  • 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]

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

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

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) We want Federal legislation granting Negroes the right to vote unencumbered. And we want Federal protocol eliminating the decades-long dismissal and illegal denial of blacks seeking to vote. And we want robust enforcement of that protocol. Well... That's fine. But... Most of the South (..)
    2014 Selma
  • (..) Not one of these militant Malcolm X types. So... I wanna help. Tell me how. Well, Mr. President, I'm here to speak specifically about the denial of a basic American right for the Negro citizen. The right to vote. Well... Technically... Technically, we already have it. (..)
    2014 Selma