Disavow

To disavow means to deny any responsibility or support for something; to refuse to acknowledge or accept the validity of a claim, statement, or action. This term is often used in the context of public figures or institutions that seek to distance themselves from controversial actions or beliefs. A disavowal often implies a clear, formal rejection of association or approval regarding the issue in question.

Disavow meaning with examples

• After the scandal broke, the senator was quick to disavow any involvement in the allegations, insisting that he had no knowledge of the activities in question and calling for a thorough investigation to clear his name. His prompt disavowal was aimed at protecting his political career and restoring public trust, as he emphasized that he stood firmly against any unethical behavior.
• When the report surfaced detailing the unethical practices of some employees, the company’s CEO issued a formal statement to disavow the actions of those individuals. In her announcement, she made it clear that such behavior was unacceptable and contrary to the company's values, asserting that steps would be taken to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
• In a surprising turn of events, the celebrity decided to disavow the controversial film produced by their production company. They expressed regret for their association with the project, citing concerns over its content and its impact on society, emphasizing that their personal values did not align with what the film portrayed.
• The politician faced pressure from constituents to disavow the extremist group that had supported his campaign. After much deliberation, he held a press conference to clarify his position, firmly denouncing the organization and its ideologies, firmly stating that he did not condone such extremist views and distancing himself from their rhetoric.