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Enfranchisement: meaning, definitions and examples

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enfranchisement

 

[ ɪnˈfrantʃaɪzmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political rights

The action of giving someone the right to vote, especially in a political election.

Synonyms

empowerment, suffrage, voting rights.

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Word Description / Examples
enfranchisement

Typically used when discussing the granting of rights or privileges, especially the right to vote, often in a historical or legal context.

  • The enfranchisement of women significantly changed the political landscape in the early 20th century
empowerment

Commonly used in broader contexts, not just legal or political ones. It refers to the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.

  • Community programs that focus on the empowerment of young people can lead to significant social changes
suffrage

Specifically refers to the right to vote in political elections. Often used in historical discourse or when discussing movements fighting for voting rights.

  • The women's suffrage movement was instrumental in securing the right to vote for women worldwide
voting rights

A straightforward term used in discussions about the legality and accessibility of voting. Often used in modern political dialogues about ensuring fair and equal voting opportunities for all citizens.

  • Activists are fighting to protect voting rights against new restrictive laws

Examples of usage

  • The enfranchisement of women was a major milestone in the fight for gender equality.
  • After years of struggle, African Americans finally achieved enfranchisement with the passing of the Voting Rights Act.
  • The enfranchisement of all citizens is essential for a functioning democracy.

Translations

Translations of the word "enfranchisement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emancipação

🇮🇳 स्वतंत्रता

🇩🇪 Befreiung

🇮🇩 pembebasan

🇺🇦 звільнення

🇵🇱 emancypacja

🇯🇵 解放

🇫🇷 émancipation

🇪🇸 emancipación

🇹🇷 özgürlük

🇰🇷 해방

🇸🇦 تحرير

🇨🇿 osvobození

🇸🇰 oslobodenie

🇨🇳 解放

🇸🇮 osvoboditev

🇮🇸 frelsun

🇰🇿 азат ету

🇬🇪 განთავისუფლება

🇦🇿 azadlıq

🇲🇽 emancipación

Etymology

The term 'enfranchisement' has its roots in Old French and Middle English, with the word 'franchise' originally referring to freedom or exemption from servitude. Over time, 'enfranchisement' came to specifically denote the granting of rights or privileges, particularly in the context of political participation. The concept of enfranchisement has been central to movements for democracy and equality, with struggles for suffrage and voting rights playing a significant role in shaping modern societies.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,514, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.