Dictionary entry

Apophasis

Webster's Dictionary 1913

‖A‐poph″a‐sis (ȧ‐pŏf″ȧ‐sĭs), n. [Gr. απὄφασισ denial, fr. αποφἄναι to speak out, to deny.] (Rhet.) A figure by which a speaker formally declines to take notice of a favorable point, but in such a manner as to produce the effect desired. [For example, see Mark Antony's oration. Shak., Julius Cæsar, iii. 2.]