Definition

To refuse to accept or recognize someone as part of your family or group.

Example

After the argument, he decided to disown his son.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard that he decided to disown his family after the argument.

That's really sad; I can't believe it got that serious.

Yeah, it's tough to understand how someone can just disown their own blood.

I know, right? Family is important, no matter what.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Disown → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "own" (from Old English "agan", meaning to possess). The word "disown" means to take away one's ownership or to deny a relationship or connection.

Memory Tip

Think of 'taking away' ('dis-') your 'ownership' ('own') — that's why disown means to deny possession or connection.

Visually Confused Words