Main Entry: dis·avow

Pronunciation: \ˌdis-ə-ˈvau̇\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English desavowen, from Anglo-French desavouer, from des- dis- + avouer to avow

Date: 14th century

1 : to deny responsibility for : repudiate
2 : to refuse to acknowledge or accept : disclaim <party leaders disavowed him>

— dis·avow·able \-ə-bəl\ adjective

— dis·avow·al \-ˈvau̇(-ə)l\ noun