Mental Process
denial Audio
de·ni·al [ dih-nahy-uhl ]
Subclass of:
Defense Mechanisms
Definitions related to denial (psychology):
  • (denial) A defense mechanism characterized by the inability to recognize or admit that addiction is the cause of problems, rather than a solution or mere byproduct. Denial can also refer to the refusal to accept an upsetting reality, such as a serious illness or death or the feelings that follow either.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
  • (denial) Defense mechanism in which the existence of unpleasant realities is disavowed; refers to keeping out of conscious awareness of any aspects of external reality that, if acknowledged would produce anxiety.
    Sadock's Comprehensive Glossary of Psychiatry and Psychology
    BJ Sadock Titles Press, 2012
  • (denial) In psychiatry, a state in which a person is unable or unwilling to see the truth or reality about an issue or situation.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (psychological denial) A psychological defense mechanism that allows a person to avoid the reality of the situation by refusing to acknowledge it.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (denial, psychological) Refusal to admit the truth or reality of a situation or experience.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.