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