desmentir

Senses

1. 1.

   to deny, to refute

   to declare that something (a statement, rumor, or accusation) is false

2. 2.

   to contradict, to belie

   to prove or show that something is false through evidence or actions

3. 3.

   to go back on one's word

   to retract or contradict what one has previously said

Examples

• "O governo desmentiu as notícias sobre o aumento de impostos."

  The government denied the news about the tax increase.

• "Seus resultados desmentiram todas as expectativas negativas."

  His results contradicted all the negative expectations.

• "Ela desmentiu o que havia dito anteriormente na entrevista."

  She went back on what she had said earlier in the interview.

Usage

Common in formal contexts, especially journalism and official statements. Often used with direct objects like "notícia" (news), "boato" (rumor), or "acusação" (accusation). Conjugates like "mentir" (irregular: eu desminto, ele desmente).