Weird Word Wednesday- Disavow
By Diana B.
@BloggerDi (3121)
United States
December 23, 2020 8:13pm CST
Disavow is a word that I'd heard many times but I wasn't sure of its definition.
It's a verb meaning to deny knowledge or responsibility for something.
The 'vow' part of this word always stood out to me.
The origin is Old French, from 'desavouer'. Vouer means to acknowledge.
Here it is in a sentence: Mary disavowed knowing anything about the missing cash.
Are you familiar with this word? Have you used it in conversation? I never have.
8 people like this
10 responses
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
24 Dec 20
I know about Bond but I don't understand the connection. Thanks for your comment @AmbiePam.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (120675)
• United States
24 Dec 20
@BloggerDi Oh, see in the James Bond movies, the boss who gives Bond his missions leaves a recording telling him the directions, and finishes with saying if he is caught they will disavow him.
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
24 Dec 20
@AmbiePam Oh, very good to know! Thanks. I enjoy learning movie trivia. 
(I'm not sure, but I think that Bond, James Bond, never got caught! lol)
(I'm not sure, but I think that Bond, James Bond, never got caught! lol)2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
24 Dec 20
Thank you @LadyDuck. Oui, Oui! 
It's great to have your bilingual knowledge for this discussion. (I corrected my spelling of the French version too.)
It's great to have your bilingual knowledge for this discussion. (I corrected my spelling of the French version too.)2 people like this
@LadyDuck (502343)
• Italy
24 Dec 20
@BloggerDi I like to know several languages, I can guess most of the word I never heard before.
I like to know several languages, I can guess most of the word I never heard before.2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
29 Dec 20
Yes I am and I want to do it all the time
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
29 Dec 20
@BloggerDi Right..I disavow haha
1 person likes this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
24 Dec 20
Thanks @JudyEv. I wonder if it's used mostly as a legal term.
2 people like this
@arunima25 (93194)
• Bangalore, India
24 Dec 20
I have heard it. But never used it as far as I remember.
Thanks for sharing the origin.
2 people like this
@Charlesbronson (977)
• Indonesia
24 Dec 20
I also rarely use that word. I never even seem to use it
2 people like this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
24 Dec 20
Thank you @Charlesbronson. It's not a common one.
1 person likes this
@Orson_Kart (8261)
• United Kingdom
24 Dec 20
I've had my suspicions about that Mary, ever since she claimed to be a virgin. I think she knows more than she is letting on.
1 person likes this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
24 Dec 20
Hahaaa @Orson_Kart. I wasn't referring to THAT Mary!
I wasn't referring to THAT Mary!1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (37621)
•
24 Dec 20
I have heard politicians use the word. A useful fancy word and a perfect way for them to hide their dishonesty. Not a word I would use.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (59987)
• Philippines
25 Dec 20
In writing I have used it but in conversation never.
1 person likes this
@BloggerDi (3121)
• United States
24 Dec 20
You're welcome @Cheyee. Thank you for commenting!
1 person likes this
