disclaim

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verb dis·claim \dis-ˈklām\

Definition of disclaim

intransitive verb
1 : to make a disclaimer
2a obsolete : to disavow all part or shareb : to utter denial
transitive verb
1 : to renounce a legal claim to
2 : deny, disavow disclaimed any knowledge of the contents of the letter

See disclaim defined for English-language learners

See disclaim defined for kids

Examples of disclaim in a Sentence

the prisoner disclaimed any part in the prank
her spokesperson flatly disclaimed the marriage rumor circulating in the press

Recent Examples of disclaim from the Web

But achieving her ambition, and fortifying Europe in the face of a combative Russia and inward-looking U.S., will be a new challenge for the unassuming tactician who disclaims grand visions. ‘

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Missile test underscores the failure of Trump’s naive approach to North Korea", 5 July 2017
For many years, the almost universal reaction among European Muslims to the rising tide of jihadi violence has been to disclaim any responsibility on the part of Islam and the Islamic community.

— peter ford, The Christian Science Monitor, "Europe's Muslims start to grapple with touchy issue: Islamic terrorism as a community problem", 29 June 2017
If somehow Parnell wins or (much more likely) keeps it close, Team Trump will not be able to disclaim Norman — if anyone outside South Carolina even notices in the wake of the giant waves of hype from the state next door.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Republican Favored in Overshadowed South Carolina Special Election", 20 June 2017
In virtually every settlement, the city disclaims wrongdoing.

— jim dwyer, New York Times, "A $25 Million Mistake That the City Won’t Admit", 13 June 2017
The Taliban disclaimed responsibility, and no evidence has surfaced that ISIS was involved.

— barnett rubin, The New Yorker, "Why More Troops Won’t Help Afghanistan", 5 June 2017
In such a case, the question also would arise as to whether the victims willingly agreed to a contract with Apple in which Apple disclaims liability.

— issie lapowsky, WIRED, "We’d All Benefit if Celebs Sue Apple Over the Photo Hack", 4 Sep. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disclaim'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of disclaim

Middle English, from Anglo-French disclaimer, from dis- + claimer to claim

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

DISCLAIM Defined for English Language Learners

disclaim

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verb

Definition of disclaim for English Language Learners

: to say that you do not have (something, such as knowledge, responsibility, etc.)

DISCLAIM Defined for Kids

disclaim

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verb dis·claim \dis-ˈklām\

Definition of disclaim for Students

disclaimed

;

disclaiming

: to deny being part of or responsible for Everyone disclaimed any part in the prank.

Law Dictionary

disclaim

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intransitive verb dis·claim \dis-ˈklām\

Legal Definition of disclaim

: to make a disclaimer
transitive verb
1 : to reject or relinquish a claim to (as an interest in an estate)
2a : to deny or reject the right, validity, or authority of b : to negate or limit the rights under (a warranty)