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Debar Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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debar

[dɪˈbɑːr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To debar someone is to officially prohibit or exclude them from a certain activity or privilege. This term is often used in legal, academic, or professional settings where an individual is banned from participating in specific actions or benefits. Debarring can occur due to misconduct, failure to meet standards, or legal infractions. The term can also apply to financial contexts, such as debarment from government contracts or funding.

Synonyms

ban, disqualify, exclude, prohibit.

Examples of usage

  • He was debarred from participating in the competition due to his previous rule violations.
  • The company decided to debar the contractor for failing to meet safety regulations.
  • After the investigation, she was debarred from her position for unethical behavior.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal situations, a person can be debarred from participating in certain activities, such as government contracts, due to misconduct.
  • Debarring can be a temporary measure or permanent, often linked to critical violations of trust or regulations.

Education

  • Students can be debarred from examinations for reasons like cheating, which emphasizes academic integrity.
  • In some cases, debarment can also apply to educational institutions that fail to meet certain standards.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of being debarred often appears in films and shows, where characters are barred from clubs or communities, reflecting their struggles to fit in.
  • In video games, players can be debarred from certain missions or quests, usually as a consequence of their actions within the game.

Social Implications

  • Debarment can lead to social isolation, highlighting the importance of inclusion and acceptance in communities.
  • This action can spark discussions about fairness, especially in contexts like sports or professional organizations.

Origin of 'debar'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'debar' comes from the Old French 'debarer', which means 'to shut out'.
  • In Latin, the root 'de-' means 'down from' or 'away', combined with 'bara', meaning 'barrier', showing its origins in preventing access.

The word 'debar' originates from the Middle English term 'debarre', which was derived from the Old French 'debarer'. The prefix 'de-' suggests removal or reversal, while 'bar' comes from the Latin 'barra', meaning barrier or obstruction. The evolution of the word reflects the notion of blocking someone from access or participation in certain activities. Over time, 'debar' gained usage in legal jargon and formal contexts, solidifying its presence in English lexicon by the 15th century. The term has continued to be used in modern legal and administrative contexts to indicate exclusion or prohibition.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,933, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.