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Disown Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšซ
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disown

[dษชsหˆษ™สŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

family relationship

Refuse to acknowledge or maintain any connection with someone.

Synonyms

reject, renounce, repudiate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disown

This is often used when a family member formally declares that they no longer recognize a relationship with another family member. It involves a personal or legal severance of ties.

  • After a heated argument, the father decided to disown his son
  • She was disowned by her family after she married against their wishes
renounce

Often used in formal contexts where someone publicly declares the abandonment of a position, belief, or claim. It involves a conscious decision and formal declaration.

  • He decided to renounce his citizenship to avoid paying taxes
  • She renounced her previous beliefs after extensive research
reject

Used in a broader context where something is declined or dismissed. It does not carry the same legal or personal weight as 'disown' and can refer to offers, ideas, or proposals.

  • The board rejected the proposal for the new project
  • He felt hurt when his job application was rejected
repudiate

Typically used in formal or legal contexts to deny the validity of something. It might involve rejecting the truth, validity, or authority of a statement or agreement.

  • The company issued a statement to repudiate the allegations of fraud
  • He repudiated the contract as it was signed under duress

Examples of usage

  • He disowned his own son after the scandal.
  • She decided to disown her parents for their cruel behavior.
Context #2 | Verb

property ownership

Refuse to acknowledge or maintain any connection with something that one is responsible for.

Synonyms

abdicate responsibility for, dissociate from, divest oneself of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disown

Used when someone formally rejects or no longer acknowledges a person or relationship, often within a family or close relationship. It carries a strong emotional and sometimes legal implication.

  • John's father threatened to disown him if he continued his rebellious behavior.
  • After learning about her son's crimes, she decided to disown him.
dissociate from

Used when someone wants to detach or distance themselves from a person, group, or situation to avoid association or involvement. Often used to maintain a certain reputation or avoid negative consequences.

  • She dissociated herself from the scandal by publicly denying any involvement.
  • The company quickly moved to dissociate from the controversial statement made by its former employee.
divest oneself of

Used when someone intentionally and proactively removes themselves from ownership, possession, or association, often in a financial or organizational context.

  • The CEO decided to divest himself of all his shares in the company.
  • In light of the new regulations, he chose to divest himself of his overseas assets.
abdicate responsibility for

Used when someone gives up their duty or responsibility, typically in a formal or professional setting. It often implies neglect or a failure to fulfill one's duties.

  • The manager cannot abdicate responsibility for the project's failure.
  • Parents should not abdicate responsibility for their children's education.

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to disown the controversial project.
  • He disowned all his possessions and decided to live a minimalist lifestyle.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Disowning someone can be a coping mechanism for individuals dealing with anxiety or conflict, allowing them to protect their emotional wellbeing.
  • This act can lead to significant feelings of loss and grief for both the person disowning and the one being disowned.
  • Research shows that family estrangement can impact mental health, leading to higher levels of anxiety and feelings of depression.

Literature

  • Disowning is a common theme in literature, often used to highlight themes of betrayal or the struggle for self-identity.
  • In many stories, characters that disown family members undergo significant personal growth, reflecting the complexity of familial relationships.
  • Classic works like Shakespeareโ€™s 'King Lear' explore the consequences of disowning, revealing deep emotional and social implications.

Pop Culture

  • TV shows and movies often portray disowning as a dramatic moment, highlighting the emotional fallout, as seen in series like 'This Is Us' or films such as 'The Pursuit of Happyness.'
  • Reality television has made disowning a topic of intrigue, showcasing real-life conflicts that lead to estrangement among family members.
  • Disowning can also appear in music, with lyrics that express pain and loss, making it a relatable theme for many listeners.

Sociology

  • Disowning family members can be influenced by cultural factors; some cultures place a strong emphasis on familial loyalty, while others may accept disowning as a personal choice.
  • Studies indicate that disowned individuals may face stigma and isolation in their communities, affecting their social networks.
  • In contrast, some people find empowerment in disowning toxic relationships, seeing it as a step towards personal freedom and self-acceptance.

Origin of 'disown'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'disown' comes from the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'not,' and 'own,' which means to possess or acknowledge. Together, it conveys the meaning of not acknowledging someone as part of one's family or group.
  • Interestingly, the term also signifies a break in emotional ties rather than just a physical separation.
  • Its first known use dates back to the 14th century, indicating that the concept of severing ties has been around for centuries.

The word 'disown' originated in the late 16th century from the combination of the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart, away' and the word 'own'. It originally meant to refuse to acknowledge someone as one's own or to refuse to own up to something. Over time, it has come to be commonly used in the context of family relationships and property ownership.

See also: own, owner, ownerless, owners, owning, unowned.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,408, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.