Crossword Genius

Refuse to study unknown (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deny

'refuse' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'study unknown' is the wordplay.
'study' becomes 'den' (term for a study or office).
'unknown' becomes 'y' (algebra).
'den'+'y'='DENY'

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for deny that I've seen before include "Declare non-existent" , "Refuse access to" , "Disclaim" , "Reject as false" , "Refuse to acknowledge" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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