disestablish

[ dis-i-stab-lish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to deprive of the character of being established; cancel; abolish.
2. to withdraw exclusive state recognition or support from (a church).

disestablish

/ ˌdɪsɪˈstæblɪʃ /

verb

1. tr to deprive (a church, custom, institution, etc) of established status

Derived Forms

• ˌdisesˈtablishment, noun

Other Words From

• dises·tablish·ment noun
• undis·es·tablished adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disestablish¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; dis- ¹ + establish

Example Sentences

Federal policies at various points in history sought to disestablish reservations and force Native Americans into cities.

From Seattle Times

Federal policies at various points in history sought to disestablish reservations and force Native Americans into cities.

From Washington Times

It does, however, appear in a famous early version of the Constitution riddled with printer’s errors, popularly called the “Devil’s Constitution,” which, because of a series of bewildering misprints, vows to form a “less perfect union, disestablish justice, and destroy domestic tranquility,” advocates the violent storming of the legislature in the event of an electoral outcome with which a minority of the people is dissatisfied, and, confusingly, gives detailed mention to the filibuster more than two decades before it was invented.

From Washington Post

Supreme Court ruling last year that determined a large swath of eastern Oklahoma remains an Indian reservation, because Congress never voted to disestablish it.

From Washington Times

Supreme Court ruling last year that determined a large swath of eastern Oklahoma remains an Indian reservation, because Congress never voted to disestablish it.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• abrogate
• annul
• cancel
• dissolve
• eradicate
• nullify
• overthrow
• overturn
• prohibit
• put an end to
• repeal
• rescind
• revoke
• set aside
• stamp out
• suppress
• terminate
• wipe out