An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To deny the existence or truth of.
   

2. To cause to be ineffective or invalid.

Etymology (EN): From L. negatus p.p. of negare “to say ’no’, deny,” from Old L. nec “not,” from PIE base *ne- “no, not.”

Etymology (PE): Nâyidan infinitive from nâ “no, not,” variants na, ni, ma- (prohitive); from Mid.Pers. nê, ma “no, not;” O.Pers. naiy, nai “not;” Av. nôit, naē “not;” cf. Skt. ná “not;” cf. L. ne-, in-, un-; Gk. ni; Lith. nè; O.C.S. ne “not;” PIE *ne-, as above.