disown

verb

dis·​own (ˌ)dis-ˈōn 

disowned; disowning; disowns

transitive verb

1

: to refuse to acknowledge as one's own

2

a

: to repudiate any connection or identification with

b

: to deny the validity or authority of

disownment

(ˌ)dis-ˈōn-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• deny
• reject
• refute

Examples of disown in a Sentence

Her parents threatened to disown her if she didn't go back to school.

He was disowned for bringing shame to the family.

Recent Examples on the Web

Maximum Overdrive, the only movie that King directed, is eligible… but King himself joined the chorus of harsh critics, disowning it and never again returning to the director’s chair . —James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

Unlike formal speeches or parliamentary votes, a podcast answer can be easily downplayed or disowned. —MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

Even some people who have repeatedly criticized the verification system were surprised that the Trump administration seemed to disown it. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, Trump has continued to rage at those calling for the Epstein evidence, even going so far as to disown members of his MAGA faithful. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 21 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for disown

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

disown

verb

dis·​own (ˈ)dis-ˈōn 

: to refuse to accept any longer as one's own : renounce, disclaim