disown

verb

dis·​own (ˌ)dis-ˈōn How to pronounce disown (audio)
disowned; disowning; disowns
Synonyms of disownnext

transitive verb

1
: to refuse to acknowledge as one's own
2
a
: to repudiate any connection or identification with
b
: to deny the validity or authority of
disownment
(ˌ)dis-ˈōn-mənt How to pronounce disown (audio)
noun

Synonyms of disown

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Examples of disown in a Sentence

Her parents threatened to disown her if she didn't go back to school. He was disowned for bringing shame to the family.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He was also forced to disown his family. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 1 June 2026 Some Sox fans claimed to disown the team back then, and now are jumping back on the bandwagon. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026 Glen Powell plays a charming guy disowned by his wealthy family when he was born. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026 Becket is broke, disowned and circling a family fortune that never wanted him. — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disown

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disown was in 1630

Rhymes for disown

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Browse Nearby Words

disour
disown
disownment
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Cite this Entry

“Disown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disown. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

disown

verb
dis·​own (ˈ)dis-ˈōn How to pronounce disown (audio)
: to refuse to accept any longer as one's own : renounce, disclaim

More from Merriam-Webster on disown

Nglish: Translation of disown for Spanish Speakers

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