Denying: meaning, definitions and examples

Psychology

• Denying can be a defense mechanism where people protect themselves from uncomfortable truths or feelings.
• In psychological terms, denial is often the first stage of grief, where individuals cannot accept their loss.
• People may deny their feelings or actions to avoid facing painful emotions or to cope with stress.

Literature

• In many stories, characters deny their feelings or truths, leading to dramatic tension and conflict.
• Classical literature often explores themes of denial, showing how it can destroy relationships and lead to tragic outcomes.
• Famous plays, like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', highlight characters' denial of reality, showcasing internal struggles.

Pop Culture

• In popular songs, themes of denial often revolve around heartbreak, with people refusing to accept their partner's departure.
• Reality TV often features participants denying events that have clearly taken place, sparking viewer debate.
• 'The Denial' is a 2016 film that dramatizes the true story of a historian denying the Holocaust in court, illustrating real-world implications of denial.

Sociology

• Collective denial happens in societies where groups refuse to acknowledge historical atrocities or social issues.
• Sociologists study how denial can perpetuate systemic issues, indicating the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths.
• In activism, some movements emphasize the need to stop denying problems like climate change to prompt action.

Philosophy

• Philosophers discuss denial in the context of self-deception, which poses questions about personal truth and self-awareness.
• Denial implicates existential themes, where individuals confront their own reality versus the narratives they create.
• Friedrich Nietzsche explored denial of reality, suggesting that people's interpretations heavily influence their existence.

At #5,411 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 5408 leisure
• 5409 spontaneous
• 5410 morrow
• 5411 denying
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• 5413 ingredients
• 5414 architect
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