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.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

avow
to openly declare or affirm something.
revoke
to take back or withdraw something.
abjure
to solemnly renounce a belief, cause, or claim.

Slang Meanings