disavowal means A denial of knowledge, relationship, or responsibility towards something or someone. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.
disavowal is pronounced [dɪsəˈvaʊ(ə)ɫ].
Why “disavowal” is a great word
DISAVOWAL — [Noun] A formal denial of knowledge, approval, association, or responsibility. From the verb 'disavow' (from Middle French 'desavouer', from 'des-' expressing reversal + 'avouer' meaning 'to avow, acknowledge') + the noun-forming suffix '-al'. Unlike "denial," a general refusal of fact, or "renunciation," a solemn abandonment of belief, disavowal is the surgical severing of a specific, prior connection. It is the coldly-worded press release from a former ally, the struck name from the office door, the returned medal with its citation voided—a quiet act of un-creation, leaving only the stark silhouette of a severed bond.
Etymology
From disavow + -al or dis- + avowal.
noun
- A denial of knowledge, relationship, or responsibility towards something or someone.“Whatever pleas may be urged for a disavowal of engagements formed by diplomatic functionaries in cases where by the terms of the engagements a mutual ratification is reserved, or where notice at the time may have been given of a departure from instructions, or in extraordinary cases essentially violating the principles of equity, a disavowal could not have been apprehended in a case where no such ”