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ODE→gainsay

gainsay

Flag: gbEnglishOxford Dictionary of English
gainsay /ˌɡeɪnˈseɪ /
▸ verb
(past and past participle gainsaid /ɡeɪnˈsed/)
[with object and negative] formal deny or contradict (a fact or statement):
the impact of the railways cannot be gainsaid.
▪ speak against or oppose (someone):
none could gainsay her.
– DERIVATIVES
gainsayer noun
– ORIGIN Middle English: from obsolete gain- ‘against’ + say.