dénier

A formal, somewhat legal register word for to deny — refusing to acknowledge a right, a fact, or a responsibility (dénier à quelqu'un le droit de faire quelque chose). Stronger and more official-sounding than the everyday nier.

• Le tribunal lui dénie le droit de faire appel. — The court denies him the right to appeal.
• Elle dénie toute responsabilité dans cette affaire. — She denies any responsibility in this matter.
• On ne peut lui dénier un certain talent. — One can't deny that he has a certain talent.

For everyday denial ("I deny that I said that"), native speakers usually reach for nier — dénier sounds formal and is most natural talking about denying a right or formal responsibility, not a simple factual claim.

Often confused with nier.