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

Derived Forms

• ˌdisaˈvowedly, adverb
• ˌdisaˈvower, noun
• ˌdisaˈvowal, noun

Other Words From

• disa·vowed·ly adverb
• disa·vower 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

And in September, Brian Beutler wrote at the New Republic about Trump's attempt to disavow his role in pushing birtherism, and shift the blame to Hillary Clinton or her aides.

From Salon

His proximity to the Harris campaign—he even spoke at the DNC for some reason—had D.C. progressives worried, as news reports continued to trickle out about West’s moves to ally the Harris agenda with Wall Street and Silicon Valley and disavow the populism of Joe Biden.

From Slate

Trump has refused to disavow the remark.

From Salon

A number of prominent Puerto Ricans - including Trump allies - have urged the Republican candidate to publicly disavow the joke.

From BBC

“I call upon you, Mr. Trump, to disavow these comments as reflecting in any way your personal or political,” he wrote, adding that an apology from Trump’s campaign was not sufficient in excusing the remarks.

From Salon

Related Words

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