Enfranchise: meaning, definitions and examples
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enfranchise
[ ɪnˈfrænˌʧaɪz ]
grant rights
To enfranchise someone means to grant them the rights of citizenship, especially the right to vote. This term has historical significance, particularly in the context of social and political reform movements aiming to expand voting rights. Enfranchisement often refers to removing barriers that prevent certain groups from participating in the electoral process. The term is widely used when discussing civil rights and suffrage movements, highlighting the progress toward equality in democratic societies.
Synonyms
allow, empower, enable, liberate
Examples of usage
- The new law was designed to enfranchise previously marginalized communities.
- Activists worked tirelessly to enfranchise women and minorities.
- Many states have taken steps to enfranchise ex-convicts to allow them to vote again.
Translations
Translations of the word "enfranchise" in other languages:
🇵🇹 dar direito de voto
🇮🇳 मताधिकार देना
🇩🇪 das Wahlrecht gewähren
🇮🇩 memberikan hak suara
🇺🇦 наділити правом голосу
🇵🇱 przyznać prawo głosowania
🇯🇵 選挙権を与える
🇫🇷 donner le droit de vote
🇪🇸 dar derecho al voto
🇹🇷 seçme hakkı vermek
🇰🇷 투표권을 부여하다
🇸🇦 إعطاء حق التصويت
🇨🇿 udělit volební právo
🇸🇰 priznať právo voliť
🇨🇳 赋予投票权
🇸🇮 podeliti volilno pravico
🇮🇸 veita kosningarétt
🇰🇿 дауыстар беру құқығын беру
🇬🇪 ხმის უფლების მინიჭება
🇦🇿 seçki hüququ vermək
🇲🇽 dar derecho al voto
Etymology
The term 'enfranchise' comes from the Old French term 'franchir', which means 'to free'. The prefix 'en-' denotes the action of making or causing, thus together it conveys the idea of 'to free' someone from restrictions. The word evolved in usage during the 15th century as societies began to discuss and advocate for civil liberties and voting rights. In a historical context, enfranchisement has often been tied to various movements, such as the suffragette movement in the early 20th century, which fought vigorously for women's right to vote. As countries modernized, enfranchisement became a central theme in democracies as laws began to adapt to reflect a more equitable society, emphasizing the necessity of including diverse populations in the political process.