'disown' originates from Middle English, specifically the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and the word 'own' meaning 'to possess'.

'disown' changed from the Middle English word 'disounen' and eventually became the modern English word 'disown'.

Initially, it meant 'to refuse to acknowledge ownership', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to refuse to acknowledge or maintain any connection with'.