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Definition of disenfranchise

disenfranchise

/ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃaɪz/
dis · en · fran · chise
Adjective:disenfranchised
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Past Simple:disenfranchised
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Past Participle:disenfranchised
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Present Participle:disenfranchising
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disenfranchise Lexical Profile

disenfranchise Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To deprive someone of a right or privilege of citizenship, especially the right to vote.

Example

"Strict voter identification laws were criticized for threatening to disenfranchise low-income citizens."

2

To deprive a person or group of power, social standing, or the ability to participate meaningfully in society; to marginalize.

Example

"Rapid economic changes have begun to disenfranchise workers in traditional manufacturing sectors."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for disenfranchise
Antonyms
View all antonyms for disenfranchise

Word Nuance & Usage

'Disenfranchise' and 'disfranchise' are interchangeable synonyms, though 'disenfranchise' is significantly more common in modern usage.

• Rhymes for disenfranchise

• Nearby Words

disenchant
disenchanted
disenchantment
disenfranchise
disenfranchised
disenfranchisement
disengage

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-17th century from the prefix 'dis-' and 'enfranchise', which derives from Old French 'enfranchir' ('to make free'), from 'franc' ('free').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Disenfranchise. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/disenfranchise
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