denial

denial definition - medical

de·ni·al (dĭ-nīˈəl)

noun
An unconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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