Dictionary

disavow

verb dis·avow \ˌdis-ə-ˈvau̇\

: to say that you are not responsible for (something) : to deny that you know about or are involved in (something)

Full Definition of DISAVOW

transitive verb

: to deny responsibility for : repudiate

: to refuse to acknowledge or accept : disclaim <party leaders disavowed him>

— dis·avow·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective

— dis·avow·al \-ˈvau̇(-ə)l\ noun

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Middle English desavowen, from Anglo-French desavouer, from des- dis- + avouer to avow

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonyms: contradict, disaffirm, disallow, deny, disclaim, disconfirm, disown, gainsay, negate, negative, refute, reject, repudiate

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