v.tr. (-ies, -ied) 1 declare untrue or non-existent (denied the charge; denied that it is so; denied having lied). 2 repudiate or disclaim (denied his faith; denied his signature). 3 (often foll. by to) refuse (a person or thing, or something to a person) (this was denied to me; denied him the satisfaction). 4 refuse access to (a person sought) (denied him his son). deny oneself be abstinent. denier n.
[ ME f. OF denier f. L denegare (as DE-, negare say no) ]