Definition

A statement in which someone says they do not know about something or are not responsible for it.

Example

His disavowal of the agreement surprised everyone involved.

Conversation

Did you hear about the actor's disavowal of the scandal?

Yeah, it surprised me! I didn't think he would take that stance.

Right? It seemed like he was trying to distance himself completely.

I guess sometimes a disavowal is the only way to protect your image.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Disavowal → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "avow" (from Old French *avouer*, meaning to acknowledge or confess). The word "disavowal" means the act of denying or rejecting a previous acknowledgment or confession.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dis-' meaning apart and 'avow' meaning to acknowledge — so disavowal is the act of rejecting an acknowledgment.

Visually Confused Words