disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
disallowed; disallowing; disallows

transitive verb

1
: to deny the force, truth, or validity of
2
: to refuse to allow
disallowance noun

Examples of disallow in a Sentence

The touchdown was disallowed because of a penalty. disallowing the philosophical concept of free will
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If convicted, Lincoln will be disallowed from owning animals and fined a minimum of $50,000, per Virginia law. Christina Coulter, People.com, 22 May 2025 The way Montjuic erupted when Fermin Lopez scored what should have made the match safe at 5-3 — his effort was disallowed for handball — summed it all up. Pol Ballús, New York Times, 12 May 2025 At the same time, the brevity that disallows discussion of the myriad central planning conceits of monetarism is simple when discussing Paul Volcker. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025 The court, which is bound by ethical rules disallowing judges from commenting on pending cases, declined comment. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disallow

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disallow was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disallow. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

disallow

verb
dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
: to refuse to admit or allow : reject
disallow a claim
disallowance noun

Legal Definition

disallow

transitive verb
dis·​al·​low ˌdi-sə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
1
: to deny the truth, force, or validity of
disallowed the deduction
disallow a bankruptcy claim
2
: to refuse to allow
disallow payment of benefits
disallowance noun

More from Merriam-Webster on disallow

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