WordGarden.iorepudiate
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪpjˈuːdɪˌeɪt/
US
- /ripˈjudiˌeɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to reject, disown, or refuse to accept something formally
to refuse legal or financial responsibility for a contract, debt, or obligation
Beyond the definition
To repudiate something is to reject it clearly and strongly, often in public. It is stronger than simply disagreeing. A politician might repudiate a controversial statement made by an aide, or someone might repudiate their past actions after a change of heart. Think of it as drawing a very clear line and saying, "This is not me."
The word comes from the Latin "repudiare," meaning "to reject." That helps explain the force of the word: it suggests cutting ties completely. If you repudiate a debt, you refuse to accept responsibility for paying it. If you repudiate a friend's behavior, you openly disown it. It is about distancing yourself and declaring something unacceptable.
To repudiate means to reject something firmly and openly, or to deny that it is true, valid, or binding. It usually suggests more than simple disagreement. Think of it as a forceful "no" with a clear statement that you will not accept, support, or be linked to the thing in question.
The word has long been used in formal and public settings, which is why it often sounds serious. A government might repudiate a treaty or an agreement, meaning it declares that it will no longer accept it as valid or follow its terms. A company might repudiate a contract or debt. An author or public figure might repudiate an earlier statement if their views have changed and they want to separate themselves from it completely.
You can also repudiate accusations or claims made against you by denying them completely. On a more personal level, someone might repudiate values, beliefs, or actions from their past because they no longer want to be connected with them. In that sense, the word often carries an idea of rejection and separation at the same time.
So, whether it is a treaty, a debt, an accusation, or an old belief, to repudiate is to push it away in a definite and explicit manner. It is a strong word for a decisive break: not merely "I disagree," but "I reject this and do not accept any connection to it."
Examples
- 1
Rumor denial
The senator quickly repudiated the rumors that he had taken money from the company.
- 2
Political remarks
The party leader repudiated the minister's remarks and said they did not reflect government policy.
- 3
Violence
After the attack, the group issued a statement repudiating violence.
- 4
Former ideology
Years later, he publicly repudiated the ideology he had followed as a student.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal agreement
The company tried to repudiate the agreement, but the court said it was still valid.
- Domainin law or contracts, repudiate an agreement
formally refuse to accept it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- repudiateverb
Forms
- repudiatedpast tenseverb
- repudiating-ing formverb
- repudiatesverb