denial etymology

Etymology:

The word "denial" derives from the Middle English "denien" (deny), which originated from the Old French "denier" (to deny). This term ultimately traces its roots back to the Latin verb "denegare" (to refuse or deny).

Meaning:

Denial refers to:

  • The act of refusing to accept, acknowledge, or believe a statement, fact, or event.
  • The assertion that something is not true or valid.
  • The psychological defense mechanism of rejecting or refusing to acknowledge thoughts, feelings, or experiences that are painful or threatening.

Origin:

The concept of denial has been recognized and discussed for centuries in various cultures and contexts:

  • Ancient Greece: Denial played a significant role in Greek tragedy, with characters often refusing to face their fate or the truth about themselves.
  • Buddhism: Denial is considered one of the "five hindrances" to enlightenment, where individuals refuse to acknowledge the nature of their own suffering.
  • Freudian Psychology: Sigmund Freud identified "denial" as a defense mechanism that protects the ego from overwhelming anxiety or emotional distress.
  • Cognitive Psychology: Denial is studied as a form of cognitive bias, where individuals tend to reject information that contradicts their existing beliefs or expectations.

denial relate terms

  • deny

    Etymology Middle English denien denyen from Anglo Norman French denier denyer from

  • self denial

    Etymology Self comes from Middle English self from Old English self meaning on

  • denial

    Etymology The word denial derives from the Middle English denien deny which origi

  • bestowal

    Etymology The word bestowal is derived from the Middle English word bestow which in

  • betrothal

    Etymology From Old French betrothail from the verb betrother to betroth from Gallo

  • defense

    Etymology The word defense comes from the Middle French word defense c 1230 whic

  • demurrer

    Etymology Demurrer comes from the Old French word demurer meaning to stay delay or

  • ascetic

    Etymology The word ascetic derives from the Greek askētikos meaning pertaining to

  • refuse

    Etymology Old French refus refuser Latin refutare to refute reject oppose Proto

  • Arian

    Etymology The name Arian is derived from the Proto Indo European root h₂er meaning

  • solipsism

    Etymology Solipsism derives from Latin solus alone ipse self Meaning So

  • determinism

    Etymology The word determinism is derived from the Latin word determinare which me

  • negative

    Etymology Prefix neg Latin meaning no not Root agere Latin meaning to do

  • Antigone

    Etymology Antigone is a Greek name Αντιγόνη derived from the compound words

  • trail

    Etymology The word trail comes from the Middle English word traile which is derived