avow

[ uh-vou ]
See synonyms for: avowavowed on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to declare frankly or openly; assert; confess; admit: He avowed himself an opponent of all alliances.

Origin of avow

1
First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English avowen, from Old French avoue(r), from Latin advocāre; see advocate

Other words for avow

Opposites for avow

Other words from avow

  • a·vow·a·ble, adjective
  • a·vow·er, noun
  • re·a·vow, verb (used with object)
  • un·a·vow·a·ble, adjective
  • un·a·vow·a·ble·ness, noun
  • un·a·vow·a·bly, adverb

Words Nearby avow

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use avow in a sentence

  • General Stanhope then repeated to him, all that the impassioned resentment of Ripperda had excited him to avow.

  • The millions in the world who conscientiously disclaim the supremacy of the Pope, at least openly avow it.

    The Philippine Islands | John Foreman
  • The young scholar always allows himself a number of libertine sonnets, and we avow it is particularly disagreeable to us.

    Charles Baudelaire, His Life | Thophile Gautier
  • He would candidly avow, however, that he despaired of seeing the question brought to a speedy and satisfactory settlement.

British Dictionary definitions for avow

avow

/ (əˈvaʊ) /


verb(tr)
  1. to state or affirm

  2. to admit openly

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

Origin of avow

1
C13: from Old French avouer to confess, from Latin advocāre to appeal to, call upon; see avouch, advocate

Derived forms of avow

  • avowable, adjective
  • avowal, noun
  • avowed (əˈvaʊd), adjective
  • avowedly (əˈvaʊɪdlɪ), adverb
  • avower, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012