Meaning & use
to be in denial
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Refusing to accept a truth or reality that is unpleasant or difficult.
Grammar: Used with 'be': She is in denial. Often followed by 'about something'.
Patterns
- be in denial about something
- be in complete denial
- be in denial that ...
He is in denial about his drinking problem.
She was in denial for months after the diagnosis.
They are in denial that the business is failing.
phrasefixed phrasetechnical
In psychology, an unconscious defense mechanism in which a person blocks out painful facts.
Grammar: Used as a technical term in psychology, often with 'be'.
Patterns
- be in denial
- a state of denial
The patient was in denial about the severity of the illness.
Denial is one of the first stages of grief, when a person is in denial.
The therapist noted that he was in denial about his past.
Common combinations
- in complete denial
- She is in complete denial about the situation.
- in denial about
- He is in denial about his financial problems.
- live in denial
- You can't live in denial forever.
- state of denial
- The country was in a state of denial after the election.
Synonyms and how they differ
- refuse to accept
- A verb phrase that focuses on the action of not accepting something, rather than the state.
- self-deception
- A noun that means lying to yourself; broader than 'in denial'.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: to be in denial or in denial of?
to be in denial vs in denial of
Use 'in denial about' for the thing that is not accepted. 'In denial of' is much rarer and sounds formal or legal.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
'In denial' is followed by 'about' when naming what is not accepted. Option A uses 'of', which is rare and formal. Options C and D use wrong prepositions.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “to be in denial”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.