Repudiated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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repudiated
[rɪˈpjuː.dieɪtɪd ]
Definition
formal context
To repudiate means to reject or refuse to accept or support something. This term is often used in legal contexts, where an individual might repudiate a contract or obligation. Additionally, it can refer to the disavowal of beliefs or affiliations. The act of repudiation can signify a strong denial or an abandonment of previous positions, identities, or agreements.
Synonyms
abandon, deny, disavow, reject, renounce.
Examples of usage
- He repudiated the claims made against him.
- She decided to repudiate her previous statements.
- The politician repudiated the false accusations.
- They repudiated the contract due to non-performance.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- In law, repudiation refers to a rejection of a contract before it has been completed, indicating that one party will not fulfill their obligations.
- A party that repudiates a contract can face legal consequences, as the other party may seek damages for the breach.
- Repudiation can be seen as a form of anticipatory breach, often allowing the other party to either accept the breach or continue with their own performance.
Historical Examples
- In history, several nations have repudiated international treaties, leading to significant political shifts.
- The repudiation of the Treaty of Versailles by Germany in the 1930s marked a significant turning point leading to World War II.
- Philosophers in the Enlightenment period often repudiated traditional beliefs, promoting reason and scientific thought instead.
Cultural Significance
- The concept of repudiation is prevalent in literature, where characters may reject societal norms or familial expectations.
- In modern social movements, people often repudiate oppressive systems, advocating for change and justice.
- Songs or poems may contain themes of repudiation, illustrating personal or collective rejection of past love, ideologies, or lifestyles.
Psychology
- Psychologically, repudiation can manifest as a defense mechanism where individuals distance themselves from unacceptable thoughts or feelings.
- Groups may engage in collective repudiation, where they reject certain behaviors or ideologies in order to strengthen their identity.
- Studies suggest that the act of repudiation can lead to feelings of empowerment, as individuals assert their values by rejecting what they oppose.
Origin of 'repudiated'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'repudiare', meaning 'to cast off' or 'to divorce'.
- In older texts, it was often used in the context of marriage, specifically to indicate the rejection of a spouse.
- The word has roots in the prefix 're-' meaning 'back' or 'again', combined with 'pudere', which relates to shame or to make ashamed.
The word 'repudiate' originates from the Latin term 'repudiare', which means 'to cast off' or 'to reject'. The root 'pudere' means 'to feel shame', and this Latin base highlights the aspect of rejecting something as shameful or undesirable. The term entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, it evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including the rejection of ideas, affiliations, or obligations. It has been used in various contexts, from legal terminology to personal relationships, reflecting the deep-seated human response to disavow or disassociate from particular ideas or commitments that are deemed unacceptable or false.