Disavow

/ˌdɪs.əˈvaʊ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To deny any responsibility or support for something; to refuse to acknowledge or accept something.

The politician chose to disavow any connection to the controversial group.

To reject or repudiate a belief, claim, or relationship.

After the scandal, she had to disavow her previous statements.

To formally deny knowledge or acceptance of something.

He disavowed the agreement, stating it was made without his consent.

From the Latin 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'avow', which is from 'avocare', meaning 'to call away'.

disavow all knowledge

to deny any awareness of something.

disavow a claim

to reject an assertion or allegation.

disavow allegiance

to renounce one's loyalty to a person or cause.

avow

to openly declare or affirm something.

revoke

to take back or withdraw something.

abjure

to solemnly renounce a belief, cause, or claim.