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Disinherit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disinherit

[ˌdɪsɪnˈhɛrɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

family

To exclude someone from inheriting one's property or possessions, typically a family member.

Synonyms

cut off, disown.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disinherit

Primarily used in legal or familial situations where someone decides not to leave inheritance to a family member, usually due to family conflicts or disagreements.

  • After years of disagreement with his son, the old man decided to disinherit him from his will
cut off

Often used in both formal and informal situations to describe ending financial or emotional support, or ceasing communication with someone. It can imply a sudden and complete severance.

  • After finding out about her betrayal, he decided to cut off all ties with her
  • As a strict measure, his parents cut him off financially when he refused to find a job
disown

Used to formally reject someone as a family member or deny any association with them, often due to serious misconduct or irreconcilable differences. This term carries a strong, negative connotation.

  • The politician decided to disown his brother after he was arrested for fraud
  • Her parents threatened to disown her if she didn't give up her controversial career

Examples of usage

  • He decided to disinherit his son after a heated argument over the family business.
  • The will stated that she would disinherit anyone who contested its contents.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Implications

  • It is often used in legal contexts where a person explicitly states they do not wish to leave their estate to a specific family member.
  • Different jurisdictions have varied laws about disinheritance, particularly concerning the rights of spouses and children.
  • In some cultures, disinheritance can lead to significant family disputes and is often seen as a drastic measure.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, the act of disinheriting a family member can be viewed as a severe social punishment or betrayal.
  • Some cultures emphasize inheritance as a way to maintain family unity, making disinheritance particularly taboo.
  • Literature is filled with narratives involving disinheritance, often exploring themes of betrayal, greed, and family loyalty.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, prominent figures such as kings and nobles have disinherited heirs to make political statements or strengthen alliances.
  • Documents and wills from medieval times often include clauses of disinheritance, reflecting the societal norms around lineage and property.
  • The concept has undergone changes, with modern laws evolving to protect the rights of beneficiaries who may be disinherited.

Origin of 'disinherit'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from Middle English 'disinheriten', derived from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'take away' and 'inherit' which means to receive from someone who has died.
  • The concept can be traced back to Latin roots, with 'inherere' meaning 'to stick to' or 'belonging to', emphasizing the connection to possession.
  • Disinheritance has been a legal term since the 14th century in English law, often related to property ownership and family relations.

The word 'disinherit' originated from the combination of 'dis-' meaning 'do the opposite of' and 'inherit' meaning 'receive property from someone after their death'. The concept of disinheriting has been present in various legal systems throughout history, often used as a means of punishing or excluding family members for various reasons.

See also: inherit, inheritance, inherited, inheritor, inheritrix.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,988 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.