disoblige

[ dis-uh-blahyj ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·o·bliged, dis·o·blig·ing.

1. to refuse or neglect to oblige; act contrary to the desire or convenience of; fail to accommodate.
2. to give offense to; affront:

   to be disobliged by a tactless remark.

3. to cause inconvenience to; incommode:

   to be disobliged by an uninvited guest.

disoblige

/ ˌdɪsəˈblaɪdʒ /

verb

1. to disregard the desires of
2. to slight; insult
3. informal.
   to cause trouble or inconvenience to

Derived Forms

• ˌdisoˈbliging, adjective
• ˌdisoˈbligingness, noun
• ˌdisoˈbligingly, adverb

Other Words From

• diso·bliging·ly adverb
• diso·bliging·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disoblige¹

1595–1605; < Middle French desobliger, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + obliger to oblige

Example Sentences

But that shouldn't disoblige society from finding new ways to give them human contact.

From BBC

"He's a good sort of man, and won't disoblige me, I'll warrant."

From Project Gutenberg

Caroline no sooner perceived, that by her wish to disoblige her cousin, she had robbed herself of his constant attention during the ride, than she repented—and saying, that she knew she was very frightened, offered to change places with her—but it was too late—for Mabel, with guileless heart, did not see the hidden motive, and persisted on keeping her horse; and Caroline had nothing to do but to mount her own, and rue her perverseness.

From Project Gutenberg

She addressed me in the most flattering and friendly manner; it was extraordinary conduct on the part of a giddy woman who had no cause to like me, for she was aware that I knew her thoroughly, and that I had mastered her vanity; but as I understood her manoeuvring I made up my mind not to disoblige her, and even to render her all the good offices I could; it was a noble revenge.

From Project Gutenberg

Sorry to disoblige, old fellow, but I'm on duty where Miss Verbena is now, you see, as she's just promised to be my wife.

From Project Gutenberg