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DictionarydisavowDeny association
verb

disavow

dis-uh-VOW/ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ/

To deny any connection with or responsibility for something.

The woman disavows responsibility for the broken vase despite knocking it over herself.

A compact two-panel sequence shows a woman accidentally knocking over a vase, then visibly denying responsibility when another woman confronts her about the broken pieces.
Etymology
disOld Frenchopposite of
+avowOld Frenchacknowledge, accept, recognize

Avowing meant openly acknowledging or standing behind someone or something. Reversing that action gives disavow its sense of denying a connection, whether responsibility, support, or knowledge.

In context

Plainly Difficult501:49
ship abandonment where vessels come into port, the owners disavow their property and often the crew are left high and dry.
Rewind Year 7 of Plainly Difficult | Youtube Omnibus

More examples

  • The senator disavowed any connection with the group.
  • Both organizers disavow responsibility for the missing funds.
  • The charity issued a statement disavowing the unauthorized fundraiser.

Forms

disavow · disavows · disavowed · disavowing

disavowal noun — A denial of connection with or responsibility.

Similar words

disclaim
Usually denies responsibility, ownership, or a claim to something.
disown
Often rejects a person or connection previously acknowledged.
deny
More broadly rejects the truth or existence of something.