Disown: meaning, definitions and examples

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disown

[dɪsˈəʊn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

family relationship

Refuse to acknowledge or maintain any connection with someone.

Synonyms

reject, renounce, repudiate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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 Shakespeare’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "disown" in other languages:

🇵🇹 renegar

🇮🇳 त्यागना

🇩🇪 verleugnen

🇮🇩 menyangkal

🇺🇦 зректися

🇵🇱 wyrzec się

🇯🇵 縁を切る (えんをきる)

🇫🇷 renier

🇪🇸 renegar

🇹🇷 reddetmek

🇰🇷 저버리다

🇸🇦 تنكر

🇨🇿 zřeknout se

🇸🇰 zriecť sa

🇨🇳 断绝关系 (duàn jué guān xì)

🇸🇮 zatajiti

🇮🇸 afneita

🇰🇿 бас тарту

🇬🇪 უარყოფა

🇦🇿 imtina etmək

🇲🇽 renegar

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.

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26405 blob
26406 brusque
26407 interlinked
26408 disown
26409 weeded
26410 animations
26411 candidiasis
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