English Explanatory Dictionary

avow

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To declare openly and boldly, as something believed to be right; to own, acknowledge or confess frankly.
  2. To bind or devote by a vow.
  3. To acknowledge and justify, as an act done. See avowry.
noun
  1. avowal

Pronunciation

/əˈvaʊ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-avow.wav

Word forms

avow avows avowing avowed

Etymology

From Middle English avowen, from Old French avouer, from Latin advocare (“to call to, call upon, hence to call as a witness, defender, patron, or advocate”), from ad (“to”) + vocare (“to call”). Doublet of advoke, avouch, and advocate. Not related to vow.

Synonyms

consecrate dedicate hallow sanctify avow behallow bless canonize inaugurate martyr sacralize sacrate saint

Antonyms

disavow

Related words

advocate avowable avowably avowal avowance avowed avowedly avower reavow unavowable unavowed
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