avow

[uh-vou]

verb (used with object)

1. to declare frankly or openly; assert; confess; admit.

   He avowed himself an opponent of all alliances.

   Synonyms: profess, own, declare, affirm, acknowledge
   Antonyms: repudiate, disavow, deny

avow

/ əˈvaʊd, əˈvaʊ, əˈvaʊɪdlɪ /

verb

1. to state or affirm

2. to admit openly

3. rare,  law to justify or maintain (some action taken)

Other Word Forms

• avowable adjective
• avowal noun
• avower noun
• avowedly adverb
• avowed adjective
• reavow verb (used with object)
• unavowable adjective
• unavowableness noun
• unavowably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of avow¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English avowen, from Old French avoue(r), from Latin advocāre; advocate

Word History and Origins

Origin of avow¹

C13: from Old French avouer to confess, from Latin advocāre to appeal to, call upon; see _avouch , _advocate

Example Sentences

“Nearly 2 million illegal aliens — out of an area population of 20 million — are there unlawfully, encouraged by sanctuary-city policies and local officials’ avowed aim to thwart federal enforcement efforts.”

From Los Angeles Times

The president and avowed Andrew Lloyd Webber fan will also honor Michael Crawford, who played the titular role in “The Phantom of the Opera” when it debuted on Broadway.

From Salon

For one, the country has seen a rise in right-wing, often avowed anti-feminist beliefs in young men, who seem to oppose any challenge to traditional gender roles.

From BBC

An avowed Zanu-PF supporter he has previously attributed his success to the party's empowerment policy, which was launched in 2013 and forced all companies to cede economic control to black Zimbabweans.

From BBC

"You get such a sense of achievement when you are able to get it among such fierce competition," says avowed fan Fiona Zhang.

From BBC