Disfranchise: meaning, definitions and examples

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disfranchise

 

[ dɪsˈfræntaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal status

To disfranchise someone means to deprive them of the right to vote or participate in political processes. This term is often used in the context of laws or practices that deliberately exclude specific groups from voting. Disfranchisement can occur through various means, such as literacy tests, poll taxes, or outright intimidation. It has significant implications for democracy and representation, as it can disenfranchise entire communities, particularly marginalized groups. The act of disfranchising is typically viewed as a violation of civil rights.

Synonyms

deprive, disempower, exclude, marginalize

Examples of usage

  • Many laws were designed to disfranchise African American voters.
  • The new voting requirements threaten to disfranchise the elderly.
  • Historically, women were often disfranchised until the suffrage movement.
  • Certain policies aimed to disfranchise low-income individuals.

Etymology

The term 'disfranchise' has its roots in the early forms of the word 'franchise,' which comes from the Old French 'franchir', meaning to make free. The prefix 'dis-' indicates the opposite of that freedom, implying a removal of rights. In the context of voting, this has historically been associated with various forms of governmental or social exclusion. The concept gained prominence during the struggle for suffrage, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, when various amendments and laws were enacted to expand or restrict voting rights across different populations. Disfranchisement has often been implemented through legal loopholes and discriminatory practices, reflecting broader societal issues of inequality and discrimination.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,008 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.