To disclaim means to deny any connection with something or to state that you're not responsible for it. When someone disclaims responsibility for a mistake, they're saying “That wasn't my fault” or “I had nothing to do with that.”

You might see disclaimers at the beginning of movies stating that the story is fictional and any similarity to real people is coincidental. The filmmakers are disclaiming any connection to actual events. Before a science experiment demonstration, a teacher might disclaim responsibility for what happens if students try it at home without supervision.

The word often appears in legal or formal contexts. A company might disclaim liability for problems caused by misusing its product. An author might disclaim expertise in a subject they're writing about as a hobby.

Disclaim is the opposite of claim. When you claim something, you're saying it's yours or you're responsible for it. When you disclaim it, you're pushing it away and saying it has nothing to do with you. Sometimes people disclaim things honestly because they truly aren't responsible. Other times, people disclaim responsibility when they should accept it, which can make them seem untrustworthy or cowardly.