disfranchise
UK: dɪsˈfræn.tʃaɪz | US: dɪsˈfræn.tʃaɪz
vt. to deprive someone of a legal right, especially the right to vote
vt. to exclude from a privilege or membership
disfranchise = dis<away/negation> + franchise<right/voting privilege>
- dis: A Latin prefix meaning "apart," "away," or "negation." Here, it reverses the meaning of "franchise."
- franchise: From Old French franchir (to free), derived from franc (free). In Middle English, it evolved to mean "a legal right or privilege," especially voting rights.
Etymology Origin:
The word combines the negating prefix dis- with franchise, which originally referred to freedom or exemption (e.g., from servitude). By the 18th century, "franchise" specifically denoted voting rights. "Disfranchise" emerged to describe the revocation of such rights, often in political or social exclusion contexts.
The law sought to disfranchise minority voters through discriminatory practices.
Many women were disfranchised before the suffrage movement succeeded.
The corrupt regime disfranchised entire communities to maintain power.
Historically, literacy tests were used to disfranchise marginalized groups.
Activists fought against policies designed to disfranchise the poor.