Definitions

disenfranchisement

[dis-en-fran-chahyz-muhnt, -chiz-] / ˌdɪs ɛnˈfræn tʃaɪz mənt, -tʃɪz- /

NOUN

disempowerment, loss of vote

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barring debarring disempowerment disqualification exclusion invalidation invisibility loss of vote marginalization noninclusion sidelining silencing stifling suppression

STRONG

devalidation disinheritance lockout loss of voice nonparticipation quashing repression

WEAK

alienation ghettoization minoritization muting othering outcasting

Antonyms

STRONGEST

access admission empowerment enfranchisement full participation inclusion seat at the table validation visibility voting rights

STRONG

extending the vote giving a voice leverage opportunity permission place at the table voice

WEAK

elevation embrace invitation welcome

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

disenfranchisement

Alliance Party assembly member Sian Mulholland said the "disenfranchisement of our society's young people" has been a "major democratic deficit".

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2025

He’s written novels, short stories and comics about alienation and disenfranchisement and revenge.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 14, 2025

Public sentiment about disenfranchisement as a punishment for crime is changing, too.

From Slate ● Oct. 17, 2024

The case was litigated as a right-to-vote case: Is there a right to vote in the Constitution, and does this felony disenfranchisement law infringe upon it?

From Salon ● May 11, 2024

In recent years, civil rights advocates have launched important reform efforts, most notably the campaigns challenging felon disenfranchisement laws, crack-sentencing policies, and racial profiling by law enforcement.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

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