disempower

[ dis-em-pou-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to deprive of influence, importance, etc.:

   Voters feel they have become disempowered by recent political events.

disempower

/ ˌdɪsɪmˈpaʊə /

verb

1. tr to deprive (a person) of power or authority

Derived Forms

• ˌdisemˈpowerment, noun

Other Words From

• disem·power·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disempower¹

First recorded in 1805–15; dis- ¹ + empower

Example Sentences

If someone genuinely wishes to reform bureaucracies — as opposed to simply disempower them for the sake of enabling one political party's agenda to win over another's — the best way to do so is make sure they remain reflective of the people they are supposed to serve.

From Salon

One way for Harris to appease those donors would be to signal that she’ll disempower Khan in her administration.

From Slate

Even as unrecognized tribes work to assert their inherent sovereignty, settler structures serve to disempower us.

From Los Angeles Times

Opposition parties highlighted cost of living issues, high unemployment - especially for young people - and fears that constitutional changes could disempower the disadvantaged.

From BBC

While the latter groups wanted to disempower the courts, the Black freedom movement largely did not, because the courts — however inadequate they were — appeared to be its most reliable allies.

From Salon