'deny' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'denegare', where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'negare' meant 'to say no' or 'deny'.

'deny' changed from Old French 'deneier' (or 'denier') and Middle English 'denyen' and eventually became the modern English word 'deny'.

Initially, it meant 'to say no' or 'refuse'; over time it evolved into the current senses of 'refuse to admit, reject, or withhold'.