Definition

To declare that something is not valid or to reject it, especially in a legal context.

Example

The court decided to disaffirm the previous ruling due to new evidence.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the case where they had to disaffirm the earlier statement?

Yeah, I read about that! It was pretty surprising.

I wonder how they can disaffirm something that was already accepted.

I guess if the facts change, they have to adjust their position.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Disaffirm → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "affirmare" (meaning to assert or confirm). The word "disaffirm" means to assert or confirm something as not true or to deny an affirmation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dis-' meaning to take something 'away' and 'affirm' meaning to 'assert' — so disaffirm means to take away an assertion.

Visually Confused Words