dissent

[ dih-sent ]

verb (used without object)

1. to differ in sentiment or opinion, especially from the majority; withhold assent; disagree (often followed by from ):

   Two of the justices dissented from the majority decision.

2. to disagree with the methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government; take an opposing view.
3. to disagree with or reject the doctrines or authority of an established church.

noun

1. difference of sentiment or opinion.

   Synonyms: opposition, dissatisfaction, disagreement

2. dissenting opinion ( def ).
3. disagreement with the philosophy, methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government.

   Synonyms: opposition, dissatisfaction, disagreement

4. separation from an established church, especially the Church of England; nonconformity.

dissent

/ dɪˈsɛnt /

verb

1. to have a disagreement or withhold assent
2. Christianity to refuse to conform to the doctrines, beliefs, or practices of an established church, and to adhere to a different system of beliefs and practices

noun

1. a difference of opinion
2. Christianity separation from an established church; Nonconformism
3. the voicing of a minority opinion in announcing the decision on a case at law; dissenting judgment

Derived Forms

• disˈsenter, noun
• disˈsenting, adjective
• disˈsentingly, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·senting·ly adverb
• nondis·senting adjective noun
• undis·senting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissent¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English dissenten, from Middle French dissentir, from Latin dissentīre, from dis- dis- ¹ + sentīre “to feel”

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissent¹

C16: from Latin dissentīre to disagree, from dis- ¹+ sentīre to perceive, feel

Synonym Study

Dissent, dissidence mean disagreement with the majority opinion. Dissent may express either withholding of agreement or open disagreement. Dissidence, formerly much the same as dissent, has come to suggest not only strong dissatisfaction but a determined opposition.

Example Sentences

There are rumors and reports that senior military leaders are having informal discussions about what to do if President Trump issues illegal or unconstitutional orders regarding the suppression of dissent, the occupation of American cities, the execution of his plans for mass deportation or other efforts to crush “the enemy within.”

From Salon

The rise in dissent towards officials was reflected in the £1m of fines for surrounding referees and mass confrontations in 2022-23.

From BBC

That resulted in a clampdown on player and manager behaviour at the start of 2023-24 and by Christmas 2023, bookings for dissent had doubled to 1,813 from 966 at the same stage the season before.

From BBC

His work with the Setit included criticism of the government and calls for democratic reform and free expression, actions that led to his arrest in a crackdown on dissent.

From BBC

His utterances on the right to privacy and right to dissent were extensively praised.

From BBC

Related Words

• discord
• dissension
• disunity
• objection
• opposition
• protest
• resistance
• schism
• strife