denial denial /dɪˈnaɪəl/

noun

1. () The act of refusing to comply (as with a request)  ( denial )
   the act of refusing to comply (as with a request)
    It resulted in a complete denial of his privileges
   it resulted in a complete denial of his privileges
   
2. () The act of asserting that something alleged is not true  ( disaffirmation , denial )
   the act of asserting that something alleged is not true
   
3. () Renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others  ( abnegation , self-abnegation , self-denial , denial , self-renunciation )
   renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others
   
4. () (psychiatry) a defense mechanism that denies painful thoughts  ( denial )
   (psychiatry) a defense mechanism that denies painful thoughts
     Despite the evidence, he remained in denial about his actions.
   Despite the evidence, he remained in denial about his actions.
   
5. (law) a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him  ( defence [Canadian, British] , defense [American] , demurrer , denial )
   (law) a defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him
    He gave evidence for the defense
   he gave evidence for the defense