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Disowned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disowned

[dษชsหˆoสŠnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

family relations

To disown someone means to refuse to acknowledge or maintain a relationship with them, typically done by a family member. This action often stems from strong disagreements or a desire to distance oneself from an individual's behavior or beliefs. Disowning can lead to emotional estrangement and can have significant psychological effects on both the person disowned and the one doing the disowning. It is often a last resort taken after attempts at reconciliation have failed.

Synonyms

abandon, disavow, reject, repudiate.

Examples of usage

  • She disowned her son after he made a controversial statement.
  • The family chose to disown him due to his criminal actions.
  • He was disowned by his parents for his choice of lifestyle.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being disowned can lead to feelings of rejection and abandonment, which significantly impact mental health.
  • Research shows that individuals disowned by their families often struggle with identity issues and may experience a sense of loss.

Pop Culture

  • Numerous TV shows and movies explore themes of disownment, particularly in family dramas where characters face estrangement.
  • The song 'Family Portrait' by Pink discusses feelings related to being disowned and the emotional fallout from such experiences.

Sociology

  • Disownment can often occur in cases of cultural or lifestyle differences, particularly in families with strict beliefs.
  • In many cultures, disowning someone can serve as a form of social control, where conformity is enforced through familial bonds.

Literature

  • Disownment frequently serves as a pivotal plot point in literature, illustrating conflicts between personal desire and familial expectations.
  • Classic novels often depict characters who grapple with disownment as a means of exploring themes of self-identity and belonging.

Origin of 'disowned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'to do the opposite of,' and 'own,' which means to possess.
  • Historically, 'disown' was often used in legal contexts to signify the rejection of inheritance or familial ties.

The term 'disown' derives from the Old English prefix 'dis-', indicating negation or removal, combined with the word 'own', which has roots in the Proto-Germanic word '*ainaz', meaning 'one's own'. The notion of disowning is deeply connected to the concept of ownership and familial ties, reflecting a decisive severing of such bonds. Historically, the act of disowning someone has been documented in various cultures, often linked to questions of honor, loyalty, and moral standing. It captures the complexity of human relationships and the often painful decisions involved in familial and social dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,392, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.