disapprove

American  

[dis-uh-proov] / ˌdɪs əˈpruv /

verb (used with object)

disapproved, disapproving

1. to think (something) wrong or reprehensible; censure or condemn in opinion.

   Synonyms:

   criticize , decry , deplore

   Antonyms:

   praise

2. to withhold approval from; decline to sanction.

   The Senate disapproved the nominations.

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verb (used without object)

disapproved, disapproving

1. to have an unfavorable opinion; express disapproval (usually followed byof ).

disapprove British  

/ ˌdɪsəˈpruːv /

verb

1. to consider wrong, bad, etc

2. (tr) to withhold approval from

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Other Word Forms

• disapprover noun
• disapproving adjective
• disapprovingly adverb
• postdisapproved adjective

Etymology

Origin of disapprove

First recorded in 1475–85; dis- ¹ + approve

Example Sentences

A pair of polls in the past two months found that a majority of voters disapprove of how Kennedy has handled his role.

From The Wall Street Journal

Voters in exit polls in the Garden State disapprove of Mr. Murphy, the incumbent Democratic Governor, and only 40% rate the state economy as positive.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sure, we all disapprove of cheaters, but where would the novel be without them?

From The Wall Street Journal

Nearly 60% of Americans said they disapproved of Kennedy’s management of HHS.

From Salon

Barger disapproved of the proposed limit on the time frame over which law enforcement agencies could retain plate data.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decry
• denounce
• deplore
• dislike
• oppose
• reject
• veto