disavow

[dis-uh-vou]

verb (used with object)

1. to disclaim knowledge of, connection with, or responsibility for; disown; repudiate.

   He disavowed the remark that had been attributed to him.

   Synonyms: disclaim, reject, deny

disavow

/ ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ /

verb

1. (tr) to deny knowledge of, connection with, or responsibility for

Other Word Forms

• disavowedly adverb
• disavower noun
• disavowal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disavow¹

1350–1400; Middle English disavouen, desavouen < Anglo-French, Old French desavouer. See dis- ¹, avow

Example Sentences

Financial regulators have also explicitly disavowed the Biden administration's guidance on securities.

From BBC

He has repeatedly floated the possibility of firing Powell, only to quickly disavow the idea, which analysts say would rock financial markets and spark a legal battle.

From BBC

Nobody's asked her to disavow "Hot N Cold," just to have made more sensitive choices about her current "love frequency"-driven incarnation.

From Salon

While Trump has disavowed any desire for Canada's lumber, energy stockpiles or manufactured products, in February Trudeau reportedly told a closed-door meeting of Canadian business and labour leaders that he saw it differently.

From BBC

Venues began disavowing Rawayana, which was forced to cancel its tour.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contradict 
• disclaim 
• disown 
• forswear 
• impugn 
• repudiate