Disavow
/ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ/
verbC1
Definition
Disavow means to say clearly that you do not agree with, support, or accept something, often something you were connected to before. It can also mean to say you are not responsible for something. People use it when they want to show they do not want to be linked to an idea, action, or statement.
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⚡ See It in Action
To say you do not support or accept something
- •The politician disavowed the controversial statement made by his assistant.
- •She disavowed any connection to the scandal.
- •The company disavowed responsibility for the faulty product.
To deny responsibility or knowledge of something
- •He disavowed any involvement in the crime.
- •The organization disavowed the actions of the rogue member.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "disavow" like "say no to" or "deny," but stronger and more formal, especially about responsibility or support
- ✓Picture someone shaking their head and saying, "I am not part of that," very clearly and seriously
- ✓It's the feeling when you want to protect yourself from blame or from being connected to something bad
- ✓Sounds like "dis-AV-ow" → imagine someone saying "I dis-approve" loudly, but with a stronger meaning of refusal or denial
- ✓In stories, characters might disavow their past mistakes to start fresh or to avoid trouble
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (which means not paying attention), disavow means actively saying "I do not accept"
- ✓NOT like "reject" (which can be about objects or ideas), disavow is about denying responsibility or connection, often about actions or statements
- ✓NOT like "deny" (which can mean refusing a fact), disavow often means refusing a link or support, especially publicly
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Deny: to say something is not true (Use when refusing facts or accusations in everyday situations)
- •Reject: to refuse to accept or believe something (Use when refusing ideas or offers, less formal than disavow)
- •Renounce: to formally give up a claim or belief (Use when giving up rights, titles, or beliefs publicly)
- •Repudiate: to refuse to accept or support something strongly (Use in formal or legal contexts, similar to disavow but often stronger)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "dis-" (not, opposite) + root "avow" (to declare or say openly)
- •Etymology: From Latin "dis-" meaning "away, opposite" and "avoware" meaning "to declare openly"
- •Historical development: Originally meant to deny openly or refuse to admit something; used since the 1500s in English
- •Modern usage: Used in formal speech or writing to show clear refusal to accept responsibility or connection to something
💭 Reflect & Connect
•When might it be important to disavow something in daily life or in public?
•How does disavowing something affect a person's or group's reputation or trust?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The politician disavowed ___ any knowledge of the illegal activity to avoid blame.
2.When the company faced complaints, it quickly disavowed ___ responsibility for the problem.
3.She disavowed ___ support for the idea after hearing the negative feedback.
4.Unlike ignoring a problem, to disavow it means to ___ it openly and clearly.
5.The leader disavowed ___ statements made by members that did not represent the group.
6.People often disavow ___ when they want to protect their reputation from bad actions.
7.After the mistake was found, the team disavowed ___ involvement to keep their jobs safe.