suffrage

[ suhf-rij ]

noun

1. the right to vote, especially in a political election.
2. a vote given in favor of a proposed measure, candidate, or the like.
3. Ecclesiastical. a prayer, especially a short intercessory prayer or petition.

suffrage

/ ˈsʌfrɪdʒ /

noun

1. the right to vote, esp in public elections; franchise
2. the exercise of such a right; casting a vote
3. a supporting vote
4. a prayer, esp a short intercessory prayer

suffrage

1. The right to vote ( see franchise ). In the United States, the term is often associated with the women's movement to win voting rights. ( See suffragist .)

Other Words From

• an·ti·suf·frage adjective
• non·suf·frage noun
• pre·suf·frage noun
• pro·suf·frage adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffrage¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin suffrāgium “voting tablet, a vote cast in an assembly (for a law or candidate), an act of voting or the exercise of the right to vote, the decision reached by a vote, an expression of approval, influence or promotion on behalf of a candidate,” equivalent to Latin suffrāg(ārī) “to express public support, vote or canvass for, support” + -ium noun suffix; -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffrage¹

C14: from Latin suffrāgium

Example Sentences

In a first for California, teens in two Alameda County school districts, Berkeley and Oakland, were granted suffrage in school board races for the first time this November.

From Los Angeles Times

Woven into these attacks on "single issue" female voters is an unsubtle loathing of women's suffrage.

From Salon

Gov. Mark Robinson kept full GOP support for his gubernatorial campaign even as he raved against women's suffrage and declared "some folks need killing."

From Salon

His previous comments longing for an end to women's suffrage and declaring women should be "led" by men, however, seemed just fine.

From Salon

He's denounced women's suffrage and argued that once a woman is pregnant, her body belongs to "the daddy."

From Salon