Definition

A situation where someone is officially prevented from doing something, often as a punishment for wrongdoing.

Example

The company faced debarment due to its failure to comply with safety regulations.

Conversation

Did you hear about the debarment of that big pharmaceutical company?

Yeah, I read about it! It's crazy how they were caught cheating the system.

Exactly! I wonder how they thought they could get away with it.

Right? It just shows that there are serious consequences for those actions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Debarment → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "bar" (from Old French *barre*, meaning to obstruct or prevent). The word "debarment" refers to the act of preventing someone from participating or entering, effectively blocking them away from something.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'blocked away' ('de-') from something ('bar') — that's what debarment means.

Visually Confused Words