The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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disavow

verb

/dɪsəˈvaʊ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of disavow

To deny knowledge of or responsibility for something, often officially or publicly.
"She chose to disavow any association with the extremist group."

Detailed meaning of disavow

When someone disavows something, they are explicitly rejecting or repudiating it, often to distance themselves from its consequences or implications. This word is commonly used in situations where a person or entity wants to make it clear that they do not endorse or support a particular idea, action, or individual, and they want to make their stance on the matter unequivocal. Disavowal can be a strategic or defensive move, often employed to protect one's reputation, credibility, or interests by disowning or disclaiming any involvement in something considered undesirable or objectionable.

Example sentences containing disavow

1. The politician refused to disavow his controversial statement.
2. The company decided to disavow the actions of its former CEO.
3. He attempted to disavow responsibility for the project's failure.
4. The artist did not disavow the inspiration she drew from other famous painters.
5. The organization made it clear that they would disavow any form of discrimination.
6. Despite the evidence, he continued to disavow any involvement in the crime.

History and etymology of disavow

The verb 'disavow' has its etymological origins in Old French. It can be traced back to the Old French word 'desavouer,' where 'des-' indicates negation, and 'avouer' means 'to avow' or 'to acknowledge.' The term 'avow' itself has its roots in Latin, from 'advocare,' which means 'to call' or 'to summon.' Therefore, 'disavow' etymologically signifies the act of officially or publicly denying or retracting a previous acknowledgment or avowal. When someone 'disavows' something, they are disclaiming knowledge of or responsibility for it, often emphasizing a deliberate separation from the matter in question. This linguistic history underscores the formal and declarative nature of 'disavow,' where one renounces or rejects any previous association or acknowledgment of a particular action or statement.

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Further usage examples of disavow

1. The athlete decided to disavow the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
2. The government spokesperson had to disavow the inaccurate statement made by the minister.
3. She felt compelled to disavow her previous support for the controversial policy.
4. The celebrity felt pressured to disavow the offensive comments made by their friend.
5. The company's CEO had no choice but to disavow the unethical practices of certain employees.
6. The religious leader called on his followers to disavow violence and promote peace.
7. The author was criticized for refusing to disavow the offensive content in their book.
8. The party leader decided to disavow the extremist faction within the party.
9. He faced backlash when he failed to disavow the conspiracy theories circulating online.
10. The professor urged his students to disavow plagiarism and uphold academic integrity.
11. The actor publicly disavowed the controversial film he had previously starred in.
12. The politician's attempt to disavow his past associations was met with skepticism.
13. She was under pressure to disavow her previous support for the unpopular policy.
14. The leader of the group publicly disavowed the violent actions of some of its members.