disenfranchise

[ dis-en-fran-chahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·en·fran·chised, dis·en·fran·chis·ing.

1. to deprive (a person) of a right or privilege of citizenship, especially the right to vote:

   This electoral law disenfranchises people in prison and on parole, but allows those on probation to vote.

2. to deprive of the rights or privileges of full participation in society or in any community or organization, especially of the opportunity to influence policy or make one’s voice heard:

   We are intentionally seeking to engage all employees in these discussions so as not to disenfranchise any social minority.

3. to deprive of a commercial or legal franchise:

   There’s been talk of disenfranchising the cricket team for violation of the league’s bylaws.

disenfranchise

/ ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃɪzmənt; ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃaɪz /

verb

1. to deprive (a person) of the right to vote or other rights of citizenship
2. to deprive (a place) of the right to send representatives to an elected body
3. to deprive (a business concern, etc) of some privilege or right
4. to deprive (a person, place, etc) of any franchise or right

Derived Forms

• disenfranchisement, noun

Other Words From

• dis·en·fran·chise·ment [dis-en-, fran, -chahyz-m, uh, nt, -chiz-], noun
• dis·en·fran·chis·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disenfranchise¹

First recorded in 1620–30; dis- ¹ + enfranchise

Example Sentences

Ross’ 2018 Oscar-nominated documentary, “Hale County This Morning, This Evening,” depicted the lives of Black people in a disenfranchised Alabama community with powerful, poetic imagery that demanded your full attention.

From Los Angeles Times

The camp also wanted to make the experience more inclusive for historically disenfranchised neighborhoods throughout South L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

“We give voters lots of opportunities to make sure they’re not disenfranchised,” Alexander said.

From Los Angeles Times

On the left, the conversation is about recovering from a devastating loss, not denying it and demanding that the vice president have the courage to disenfranchise the opposition.

From Salon

However, some have argued this simply created a new pathway for medical schools to continue using bodies from disenfranchised communities.

From Salon