Main Entry: avow

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈvau̇\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French avuer, avouer, from Latin advocare

Date: 14th century

1 : to declare assuredly <she avowed her innocence>
2 : to declare openly, bluntly, and without shame <ever ready to avow his reactionary outlook>

synonyms see acknowledge, assert

— avow·er \-ˈvau̇(-ə)r\ noun