disavow
UK: ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ | US: ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ
vt. to deny responsibility for or connection with
vt. to refuse to acknowledge or accept as valid
The word "disavow" combines the prefix "dis-" (from Latin, meaning "opposite of" or "not") with the root "avow" (from Old French "avouer," meaning "to declare openly"). "Avow" itself traces back to Latin "advocare" (to call to one's aid). Over time, "disavow" evolved to signify a formal rejection or denial of something previously acknowledged, emphasizing a deliberate act of dissociation.
The government was quick to disavow any involvement in the scandal.
She disavowed her earlier statements during the press conference.
The organization disavowed the actions of its rogue members.
He refused to disavow his controversial beliefs.
The treaty forced the leader to disavow territorial claims.