verb (used with object)
- to declare frankly or openly; own; acknowledge; confess; admit: He avowed himself an opponent of all alliances.
verb (tr)
- to state or affirm
- to admit openly
- law rare to justify or maintain (some action taken)
early 13c., from Anglo-French avouer, Old French avoer “acknowledge, accept, recognize,” especially as a protector (Modern French avouer), from Latin advocare (see advocate). A synonym of avouch (q.v.), which tends to contain the more technical, legal aspect of the word. Related: Avowed; avowing.