Meaning and usage of the word avow in English

The word "avow" has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. It comes from the Old French word "avouer," which means "to confess" or "to acknowledge." This Old French verb is derived from the Latin "abnuere," which is a combination of "ab," meaning "from" or "away," and "nuere," meaning "to deny." In the past, "avow" often had a sense of yielding or surrendering, implying a change from denial to admission. Over time, the connotation of the word shifted to emphasize acknowledgment or declaration, often with a sense of solemnity or solemn oath. Today, "avow" can mean to formally declare or assert one's beliefs, intentions, or feelings, often with a sense of conviction or duty.