repudiate

/ri'pju:dieit/

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Word: Repudiate

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To reject something as untrue, unfounded, or unjust. It can also mean to refuse to recognize or accept something, like a debt or an agreement.

Basic Usage:

• When you repudiate something, you are saying that it is not true or that you do not agree with it.
• You can also repudiate a debt, meaning you refuse to pay it.

Examples:

1. Simple Example: "She repudiated the accusations against her, saying they were false."
2. Debt Example: "He decided to repudiate his debt, claiming that it was unfairly imposed on him."
3. Family Example: "The parents repudiated their son after he made choices they did not agree with."

Advanced Usage:

• In legal contexts, someone might repudiate a contract if they believe it was signed under duress or without proper understanding.
• You might repudiate a previous statement if you change your mind about what you said.

Word Variants:

• Repudiation (noun): The act of rejecting or disowning something.
  • Example: "Her repudiation of the agreement surprised everyone."
• Repudiative (adjective): Relating to the act of rejecting.
  • Example: "His repudiative comments about the policy drew criticism."

Different Meanings:

1. To reject a claim or accusation as false.
2. To refuse to accept or be associated with something.
3. To cast off or disown a relationship or obligation.

Synonyms:

• Reject
• Disown
• Renounce
• Abandon
• Dismiss
• Disavow

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Cast Off: To reject or abandon something or someone.
  • Example: "After the scandal, he felt he had to cast off his former life."
• Turn One's Back On: To refuse to help or accept someone or something.
  • Example: "She felt betrayed when her friends turned their backs on her."

Usage Tip:

When using "repudiate," be clear about what is being rejected. It is often used in formal contexts, such as discussing contracts, debts, or accusations.

Academic

Verb

1. reject as untrue, unfounded, or unjust
   • She repudiated the accusations
2. refuse to recognize or pay
   • repudiate a debt
3. refuse to acknowledge, ratify, or recognize as valid
   • The woman repudiated the divorce settlement
4. cast off
   • She renounced her husband
   • The parents repudiated their son

Synonyms

• disown
• renounce