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abstreiten

to deny, to dispute

verb AP-shtrye-ten Rare
Communication Speech

Usage Note

Abstreiten means to flatly deny something, often a fact or accusation. Das lässt sich nicht abstreiten — that cannot be denied. More conversational and forceful than verneinen (to negate); commonly used in everyday speech and journalism when someone denies responsibility or involvement.

Examples

"Er stritt jede Beteiligung an dem Vorfall ab."

Natural Translation

He denied any involvement in the incident.

Literal Translation

He denied every involvement in the incident.

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