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Disenfranchise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ
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disenfranchise

[dษชsษชnหˆfrantสƒaษชz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

political

To deprive of a franchise, of a legal right, or of some privilege or immunity; especially : to deprive of the right to vote

Synonyms

deprive, disempower, disinherit, exclude.

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Word Description / Examples
disenfranchise

Used when someone is deprived of the right to vote or other legal rights, often in a political or social sense.

  • The new law could disenfranchise thousands of voters.
  • Efforts to disenfranchise minority communities are being challenged in court.
deprive

General term for taking away something necessary or desirable from someone, applicable to various contexts like physical needs, rights, or privileges.

  • The harsh conditions deprived the prisoners of basic necessities.
  • Being deprived of sleep can have serious health consequences.
disempower

Used when someone is made to feel less powerful or confident, often in social, organizational, or psychological contexts. Often has a negative connotation.

  • Disempowering language can affect a person's self-esteem.
  • Policies that disempower employees need to be reconsidered.
disinherit

Specifically refers to removing someone's right to inherit, usually in the context of family and wills.

  • The billionaire decided to disinherit his estranged son.
  • They threatened to disinherit her if she married against their wishes.
exclude

Used when someone is intentionally left out of a group, activity, or privilege, often with negative implications.

  • He felt excluded from the team activities.
  • The policy must ensure no one is excluded based on their background.

Examples of usage

  • Many citizens were disenfranchised due to the new voter ID laws.
  • The minority group felt disenfranchised and marginalized by the government.
  • The corrupt officials tried to disenfranchise the opposition party.
  • The new policy aimed to disenfranchise certain social groups.
  • Disenfranchisement has been a recurring issue in many democratic societies.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • In the U.S., disenfranchisement was commonly practiced against African Americans after the Civil War through laws like literacy tests and poll taxes.
  • The Women's Suffrage Movement fought vigorously against disenfranchisement, advocating for women's right to vote in the early 20th century.

Politics

  • Disenfranchisement can occur not only through laws but also through systemic issues, like gerrymandering, which manipulates electoral districts.
  • Countries around the world grapple with disenfranchisement, especially in contexts of political unrest or oppressive regimes.

Psychology

  • Feeling disenfranchised can lead to disillusionment and a sense of alienation from the political process, impacting mental well-being.
  • Research shows that individuals who feel disenfranchised may be less likely to engage in civic activities and community development.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Selma' depict the struggle against disenfranchisement through the Civil Rights Movement, emphasizing the importance of voting rights.
  • Books and novels often explore themes of disenfranchisement, portraying characters who fight for their right to voice their opinions and desires.

Origin of 'disenfranchise'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'desenfranchir,' meaning 'to deprive of a franchise,' with 'franchise' relating to freedom or privilege.
  • It originally described the act of taking away certain rights from someone, often used in legal contexts.

The word 'disenfranchise' originates from the French word 'enfranchir', meaning 'to make free'. The prefix 'dis-' is added to give the opposite meaning, resulting in 'disenfranchise' meaning 'to deprive of a franchise or right'. The term has been widely used in political contexts to describe the act of depriving individuals or groups of their rights or privileges, particularly in the context of voting rights. Disenfranchisement has been a significant issue throughout history, with various groups facing restrictions on their ability to participate in the democratic process.

See also: disenfranchised, disenfranchisement.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,646, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.