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Repudiating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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repudiating

[rɪˈpjuːdiˌeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal decision

Repudiating refers to the act of rejecting or disavowing a particular claim, belief, or contract. In a legal context, it often pertains to refusing to acknowledge an agreement or the obligations that arise from it. This concept can be significant in contract law, where one party may repudiate a contract to avoid certain responsibilities or liabilities. The act of repudiation can lead to legal disputes and consequences, as the other party may seek remedy for the breach.

Synonyms

abandon, disavow, dissociate, reject, renounce.

Examples of usage

  • She repudiated the contract after discovering the hidden fees.
  • The company is considering repudiating the agreement due to non-compliance.
  • His actions were seen as repudiating the longstanding policies of the organization.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, repudiating a contract means one party refuses to perform their obligations.
  • It can be a basis for a legal claim if the other party suffers losses due to that refusal.
  • Repudiation is often related to discussions about liability and enforcement of agreements.

Psychology

  • Repudiating beliefs can be a defense mechanism, protecting oneself from uncomfortable truths.
  • It can indicate cognitive dissonance, where a person rejects a previously held belief to reduce psychological distress.
  • This behavior often appears in situations of trauma or conflict when beliefs clash with new evidence.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of repudiating authority is a common theme in films where characters resist oppressive regimes.
  • In many songs, artists express feelings of repudiation towards past relationships or societal norms, highlighting change and personal growth.
  • Repudiation has also appeared in literature as characters confront and reject societal expectations, often leading to transformation.

Education

  • In discussions about critical thinking, repudiating misinformation is encouraged to develop informed opinions.
  • Educational curricula emphasize the importance of questioning and potentially repudiating outdated theories in favor of new research.
  • Teachers often guide students in understanding when it's healthy to repudiate negative beliefs about themselves.

Origin of 'repudiating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'repudiare', meaning 'to cast off' or 'reject'.
  • In Ancient Rome, it referred to a husband rejecting his wife, showing the word’s strong connotations of denial.
  • It entered English in the 15th century, linking its usage with personal and social contexts.

The term 'repudiate' traces its origins back to the Latin word 'repudiare', which means 'to cast off' or 'to reject'. The Latin root is based on 'pudere', which means 'to be ashamed'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century, originally used in a more formal context to describe the rejection of marital obligations. Over time, its usage evolved to include broader contexts, particularly in legal and personal relationships. The notion of repudiation carries a significant weight, as it suggests a formal and often public rejection of something previously accepted, reflecting not just a change in opinion but also a desire to sever ties with the rejected belief or contract.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,743, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.