repudiate

[ ri-pyoo-dee-eyt ]
/ rɪˈpyu diˌeɪt /

verb (used with object), re·pu·di·at·ed, re·pu·di·at·ing.

to reject as having no authority or binding force: to repudiate a claim.
to cast off or disown: to repudiate a son.
to reject with disapproval or condemnation: to repudiate a new doctrine.
to reject with denial: to repudiate a charge as untrue.
to refuse to acknowledge and pay (a debt), as a state, municipality, etc.

Origin of repudiate

1535–45; < Latin repudiātus (past participle of repudiāre to reject, refuse), equivalent to repudi(um) a casting off, divorce ( re- re- + pud(ere) to make ashamed, feel shame (see pudendum) + -ium -ium) + -ātus -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM repudiate

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH repudiate

repudiate refute refudiate (see word story at refudiate)

Example sentences from the Web for repudiate

British Dictionary definitions for repudiate

repudiate
/ (rɪˈpjuːdɪˌeɪt) /

verb (tr)

to reject the authority or validity of; refuse to accept or ratify Congress repudiated the treaty that the President had negotiated
to refuse to acknowledge or pay (a debt)
to cast off or disown (a son, lover, etc)

Derived forms of repudiate

repudiable, adjective repudiation, noun repudiative, adjective repudiator, noun

Word Origin for repudiate

C16: from Latin repudiāre to put away, from repudium a separation, divorce, from re- + pudēre to be ashamed