disown

IPA

Dictionary definition of disown

To refuse to acknowledge or accept a connection or relationship with someone or something that was previously considered as one's own.
"The family chose to disown their son when he refused to follow their traditional values."

Detailed meaning of disown

It involves a deliberate and explicit renunciation of any association or claim to ownership, support, or responsibility. When someone disowns another person, they disavow any familial, social, or legal ties with them, essentially severing the bond or disclaiming any recognition of their relationship. Disowning can occur for various reasons, such as disagreement, conflict, or a desire to distance oneself from the actions, beliefs, or behavior of the individual or entity being disowned. It often implies a rejection or abandonment of the person or thing, with the intent to disassociate oneself completely. By disowning, individuals aim to disclaim any obligations, rights, or connections associated with the person or thing they are disowning, effectively cutting off all ties and disavowing any responsibility or affiliation.

Example sentences containing disown

1. She decides to disown her family's outdated traditions.
2. The company plans to disown its underperforming subsidiary.
3. He threatens to disown anyone who opposes his views.
4. The politician's scandalous actions prompt the party to disown him.
5. The artist chooses to disown his earlier works and start afresh.
6. The parents disown their rebellious child for their own peace of mind.

History and etymology of disown

The verb 'disown' can be traced back to its Old English ancestor 'āgnian,' which means 'to own' or 'to possess.' This Old English term is a combination of 'āgen,' meaning 'one's own,' and the suffix '-ian,' used to form verbs. Over time, the word 'āgnian' evolved into 'disown' through various linguistic changes. The prefix 'dis-' was added, which indicates negation or reversal, turning the original meaning of 'to own' into its opposite, 'to refuse to acknowledge or accept a connection or relationship with someone or something that was previously considered as one's own.' Therefore, the etymology of 'disown' reflects its fundamental transformation from a word associated with possession to one associated with rejection and denial of ownership or affiliation.

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Further usage examples of disown

1. She feels compelled to disown her toxic friendships.
2. The organization is quick to disown any association with unethical practices.
3. He faces the harsh reality of having to disown his criminal brother.
4. The author decides to disown the final chapter of the book due to its poor reception.
5. The celebrity's controversial statements cause fans to disown their support.
6. She seeks legal advice on how to disown her manipulative business partner.
7. The community leader urges residents to disown violence and promote peace.
8. He fears his actions will lead his family to disown him.
9. The religious sect threatens to disown any member who questions their doctrines.
10. She gathers the courage to disown her abusive ex-partner.
11. The wealthy businessman disowns his greedy children from his will.
12. He realizes the need to disown his own negative mindset for personal growth.
13. The village elders disown the troublemaking youth from their tribe.
14. She writes a heartfelt letter to officially disown her estranged father.