Definition

To take away someone's right to vote or participate in a decision-making process.

Example

The new law could disenfranchise many eligible voters in the upcoming election.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read an article about how certain laws can disenfranchise voters.

Yeah, that happens more often than people realize.

It's really unfair because everyone should have a voice.

Absolutely, we need to ensure no one gets left out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Disenfranchise → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "enfranchise" (from Old French *franchir*, meaning to free or to make free). The word describes the act of taking away someone's right to vote or to be free in a civic sense.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dis-' meaning to take away and 'enfranchise' meaning to make free — disenfranchise means to take away someone's freedom to vote.

Visually Confused Words