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

The Journal reported in May that Khan invoked the investigation of Netanyahu and Gallant in communications with his accuser as he urged her to disavow her allegations against him.

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Mr. Roberts argued that to disavow Mr. Carlson would be to give in to a form of cancel culture, and insisted the conservative movement should remain a big tent.

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In both cases the comments were immediately disavowed by the White House.

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But it expressly disavows any right for minority groups to receive representation proportional to their share of the population.

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It tried to de-escalate the situation by acknowledging and disavowing deeds it said didn’t represent the family, including the killing of the Hamas fighter.

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Related Words

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