démentir

Démentir is a French verb that means to deny or to contradict. It is used when someone wishes to state that something is not true or that an accusation or statement is false. The act of démentir typically involves providing a counter-statement or evidence to refute the original claim.

For example, a politician might démentir rumors about their resignation, or a company might démentir reports of financial instability. The verb implies a strong rejection of the falsehood. It can be used in formal contexts, such as in legal proceedings or official statements, as well as in everyday conversation.

The etymology of démentir traces back to the Latin verb "dementare," meaning to drive mad or to befool, which evolved to mean to contradict or deny. The nuances of démentir suggest more than a simple "no"; it conveys a positive assertion against a perceived untruth. It is a common verb in French media and political discourse.