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verleugnen
/fɛɐ̯ˈlɔɪ̯ɡnən/
to deny
Er verleugnet seine Vergangenheit.
He denies his past.
formal
To refuse to acknowledge or accept the existence, truth, or validity of something.
Sie verleugnet ihre Gefühle für ihn.
She denies her feelings for him.
Die Firma verleugnet jede Verantwortung für den Unfall.
The company denies any responsibility for the accident.
Often used in contexts involving personal beliefs, emotions, or official statements.
literary
In a religious context, to reject or renounce one's faith.
Im Mittelalter wurden Menschen verfolgt, wenn sie ihren Glauben verleugneten.
In the Middle Ages, people were persecuted if they renounced their faith.
Historical or theological usage.
Collocations
seine Schuld verleugnento deny one's guiltdie Wahrheit verleugnento deny the truthseine Herkunft verleugnento deny one's origins
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
'Verleugnen' is often confused with 'leugnen' (to lie/deny). 'Verleugnen' carries a stronger connotation of rejecting something deeply, such as one's beliefs or identity, whereas 'leugnen' is more general.
Gold Rule
When to Use 'verleugnen'
Use 'verleugnen' when the denial involves a significant personal, moral, or emotional rejection. It is not typically used for minor or trivial denials.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'verlūgenen', from Old High German 'firlougēn', composed of 'ver-' (a prefix indicating negation or completion) and 'lougēn' (to lie, deceive). Related to Old English 'lyġan' (to lie).
Usage Notes
The prefix 'ver-' intensifies the meaning of 'leugnen' (to lie/deny). Unlike 'leugnen', 'verleugnen' often implies a stronger, more deliberate rejection or disavowal, especially in emotional or moral contexts.
Word Breakdown
ver-
a prefix indicating negation, intensification, or completion
prefix-leugnen
to lie or deny
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