What does deny mean?
To deny is to declare that something is not true, or to refuse to accept, acknowledge, or provide something. The verb covers two broad uses: asserting the falsity of a claim — as when a suspect denies committing a crime — and withholding something from someone, as in being denied access or permission. It appears constantly in journalism, law, and everyday conversation, making it one of the most functional verbs in English. Its tone ranges from neutral to emphatic: adverbs like 'flatly' or 'categorically' intensify it, while 'he didn't deny it' can imply a telling silence. Related forms include 'denial' (the act of denying, or a psychological refusal to accept reality), 'deniable' (capable of being disavowed), and 'undeniable'. Derived from the Latin 'denegare', via Old French 'denier', the word has carried its sense of refusal for centuries. Knowing how to use 'deny' precisely — including its grammar with gerunds rather than infinitives — is a marker of careful English.
To state that something alleged or believed is not true.
"She denied the accusations outright."
Followed by a noun clause ('deny that...') or a gerund ('deny doing...'), never an infinitive.
To refuse to give or grant someone something requested or desired.
"Visas were denied to hundreds of applicants."
Often used in the passive in official contexts.
From a Latin root meaning simply 'to say no', 'deny' is the word behind everything from criminal confessions to Peter's famous three denials.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of deny
'Deny' comes from the Latin 'denegare', formed from 'de-' (intensifier) and 'negare' ('to say no'), which also gives English 'negate' and 'negative'. It entered Middle English through Old French 'denier' around the 14th century. The same Latin root underlies 'renege' and connects historically to words like 'renegade'.
Related word forms
How deny is actually used
Standard in both formal and everyday registers. In legal contexts, 'deny' carries a precise meaning of formally contesting an allegation. The construction 'deny doing something' (gerund) is standard in British and American English; 'deny to do' is non-standard.
Easily confused with deny
'Deign' means to do something one considers beneath one's dignity, whereas 'deny' means to declare untrue or to withhold.