(~s)
1.
A ~ of something is a statement that it is not true, does not exist, or did not happen.
Despite official ~s, the rumours still persist...
Denial of the Mafia’s existence is nothing new.
N-VAR: oft N of n
2.
The ~ of something to someone is the act of refusing to let them have it. (FORMAL)
...the ~ of visas to international relief workers...
N-UNCOUNT: usu N of n
3.
In psychology, ~ is when a person cannot or will not accept an unpleasant truth.
...an addict who is in ~ about his addiction.
N-UNCOUNT