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Definition of disenfranchisement

disenfranchisement

/ˌdɪs.ɪnˈfræn.tʃaɪz.mənt/
dis · en · fran · chise · ment
Plural:disenfranchisements
•
Adjective:disenfranchised
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disenfranchisement Lexical Profile

• noun

1

The act of depriving a person or group of a right or privilege, especially the constitutional right to vote.

Example

"Historians studied how poll taxes and literacy tests contributed to the widespread disenfranchisement of minority voters."

2

The state of being marginalized, alienated, or deprived of power and influence within a society or organization.

Example

"Economic stagnation in rural communities often leads to a deep sense of social and political disenfranchisement."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for disenfranchisement
Antonyms
View all antonyms for disenfranchisement

• Rhymes for disenfranchisement

• Nearby Words

disenchantment
disenfranchise
disenfranchised
disenfranchisement
disengage
disengaged
disengagement

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century from 'disenfranchise' plus the suffix '-ment'; the root 'franchise' derives from Old French 'franchir' (to make free), from 'franc' (free, bearing the rights of a Frankish citizen).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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