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Disallow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disallow

[ˌdɪs.əˈlaʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

legal

To refuse to allow something or to prohibit something from happening.

Synonyms

ban, forbid, prohibit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disallow

Used primarily in formal or legal settings to indicate that something is not permitted according to rules or regulations.

  • The referee disallowed the goal because the player was offside
  • The court may disallow inadmissible evidence
prohibit

Used formally, similar to 'ban,' often in legal or administrative contexts. It implies a strong and official restriction.

  • The law prohibits discrimination based on race or gender
  • The park has rules that prohibit feeding the animals
ban

Typically refers to a formal prohibition, often by law or policy. It usually denotes a complete and often permanent restriction.

  • The government decided to ban smoking in public places
  • The school banned the use of mobile phones during class
forbid

Generally used in a more personal or directive manner to prevent someone from doing something. It can be softer than 'ban' but still strong.

  • Parents often forbid their children from staying out late
  • The teacher forbids talking during the exam

Examples of usage

  • He was disallowed from entering the premises without a valid ID.
  • The judge disallowed the evidence as it was obtained illegally.
  • The new policy disallows any form of discrimination in the workplace.
Context #2 | Verb

formal

To officially reject or refuse to accept something.

Synonyms

decline, refuse, reject.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disallow

Used in formal contexts, such as legal or official proceedings where a rule or request is not permitted.

  • The judge decided to disallow the evidence as it was obtained improperly.
  • The application for the grant was disallowed due to incomplete documentation.
reject

Typically used in formal or professional contexts to indicate that something, such as a proposal or application, is not accepted. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The company decided to reject the candidate after the final interview.
  • The committee rejected the proposal due to budget constraints.
refuse

Used to express a strong determination to not accept or agree to something. It can sound more forceful or adamant.

  • He refused to help with the project because he disagreed with the approach.
  • She refused to apologize, even though she was clearly in the wrong.
decline

Used in both formal and informal situations to politely say no to offers, invitations, or suggestions.

  • She had to decline the invitation to the party because she was busy.
  • He declined the job offer after much consideration.

Examples of usage

  • The committee disallowed the proposal due to lack of evidence.
  • The referee disallowed the goal as it was scored after the final whistle.
  • The supervisor disallowed the request for additional time off.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, 'disallow' often refers to the rejection of a claim or evidence in court.
  • Legislatures may 'disallow' certain rules or regulations under specific conditions, impacting governance.
  • The term is frequently used in the context of appeals, where decisions made by lower courts might be disallowed by a higher court.

Language Use

  • 'Disallow' is commonly used in rules or policies, setting clear boundaries for acceptable behavior.
  • Its usage is prevalent in technology, especially in software settings where permissions can be disallowed.
  • In everyday conversations, it's often a straightforward way to express refusal or declined requests.

Psychology

  • Understanding disallowance can help in discussions about boundaries and consent in social interactions.
  • When individuals are disallowed from certain actions, it taps into psychological concepts of control and autonomy.
  • Exploring the feelings caused by being disallowed something can foster better communication skills and conflict resolution.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of disallowance features in popular films where characters face rules they can't break, shaping their journeys.
  • In television, the idea of being disallowed often creates tension, showcasing characters fighting against authority.
  • Social media brings 'disallow' into trending topics, where certain posts or behaviors can be flagged and disallowed.

Origin of 'disallow'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'opposite of', with 'allow', which comes from Latin 'alloware'.
  • Originally, 'allow' meant to 'admire' or 'to grant', which is the opposite of what 'disallow' conveys.
  • The transformation of words from Old French into English during the Middle Ages strongly influenced the meaning of disallow.

The word 'disallow' originated from the Old French word 'desalouer', which meant 'to reprimand or censure'. Over time, it evolved to its current meaning of prohibiting or rejecting something. The prefix 'dis-' indicates negation, while 'allow' comes from the Latin word 'allaudare', meaning 'to praise'. Therefore, 'disallow' essentially means 'to not praise' or 'to refuse'.

See also: allow, allowable, allowance, allowed, allowing.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,037, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.