| Word | disavow |
|---|---|
| Date | November 1, 2009 |
| Type | verb |
| Syllables | dis-uh-VOW |
| Etymology | If you trace the etymology of "disavow" back through Middle English to Anglo-French, you'll arrive eventually at the prefix "des-" and the verb "avouer," meaning "to avow." The prefix "des-" in turn derives from the Latin prefix "dis-," meaning "apart." That Latin prefix plays a significant role in many current English words, including "disadvantage," "disappoint," and "disagree." "Avouer" is from Latin "advocare," meaning "to summon," and is also the source of our word "advocate." |
| Examples | The candidate has disavowed any knowledge of the letter -- received by thousands of voters -- in which her opponent was maligned. |
| Definition | 1 : to deny responsibility for : repudiate 2 : to refuse to acknowledge or accept : disclaim |
Tags: wordoftheday::verb
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