denial meaning and definition

DENIAL noun

Definition of denial (noun)

1. the act of refusing to comply (as with a request)
   • "it resulted in a complete denial of his privileges"
2. the act of asserting that something alleged is not true
   • synonyms: disaffirmation
3. (psychiatry) a defense mechanism that denies painful thoughts
4. renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others
   • synonyms: abnegation, self-abnegation, self-denial, self-renunciation
5. a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him
   • "he gave evidence for the defense"
   • synonyms: defence, defense, demurrer
   • antonym: criminal prosecution