Definition of Disavow
Quick Meaning of Disavow
To publicly say that you do not support something, have no connection to it, or were not involved in it. To distance yourself from something.
Detailed Definition of Disavow
To deny that you are responsible for something, or to deny your association with someone or something; to repudiate.
How to Pronounce Disavow
Stress pattern: ooO (3-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the third syllable: dis-uh-VOW. The first two syllables are quick; the final syllable rhymes with 'cow'.
Watch out: Some learners stress the first syllable (DIS-a-vow) or second (dis-A-vow). Correct: dis-uh-VOW.
Origin and Etymology of Disavow
From Old French 'desavower' (to deny or disown). 'Dis-' (away, negative) + 'avow' (to claim, own). Entered English in 16th century.
How to Use Disavow in a Sentence
Each example shows “disavow” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The company quickly disavowed the controversial advertisement after public backlash.”
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“The senator disavowed his earlier statements about the economic policy.”
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“She disavowed any knowledge of the unauthorized fund transfer.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Disavow
Common Synonyms for Disavow
Smart Synonyms for Disavow — When to Use Each
- renounce
- More solemn and formal; suggests deliberate public rejection
- repudiate
- Stronger; emphasizes complete rejection and non-association
- disclaim
- Legal register; means to reject responsibility or ownership
Antonyms of Disavow
Common Collocations with Disavow
These phrases pair with “disavow” in everyday English:
- disavow responsibility
- disavow knowledge
- disavow association
- disavow support
Common Mistakes When Using Disavow
Even fluent speakers slip up with “disavow”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The president disavowed to make that statement.
- ✓ Correct: The president disavowed making that statement. / The president disavowed that statement.
- Why: 'Disavow' takes a noun or gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive with 'to'.
- ✗ Wrong: She disavowed about her involvement in the scandal.
- ✓ Correct: She disavowed her involvement in the scandal.
- Why: 'Disavow' is transitive; it takes a direct object. Don't use 'about'.
- ✗ Wrong: He disavows to the journalist that he knew anything.
- ✓ Correct: He disavowed to the journalist that he knew anything. / He disavowed any knowledge of it.
- Why: Use past tense 'disavowed' in this context; or restructure without 'to'.
Other Forms of Disavow
Frequently Asked Questions About Disavow
What is the meaning of "Disavow"?
To publicly say that you do not support something, have no connection to it, or were not involved in it. To distance yourself from something.
How do you pronounce "Disavow"?
The IPA is /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ/. Stress the third syllable: dis-uh-VOW. The first two syllables are quick; the final syllable rhymes with 'cow'.
What part of speech is "Disavow"?
"Disavow" is a verb at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Disavow"?
Common synonyms include deny, renounce, repudiate.
How do you use "Disavow" in a sentence?
For example: "The company quickly disavowed the controversial advertisement after public backlash."