disapprove

[ dis-uh-proov ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·ap·proved, dis·ap·prov·ing.

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.

verb (used without object)

, dis·ap·proved, dis·ap·prov·ing.

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

disapprove

/ ˌdɪsəˈpruːv /

verb

1. introften foll byof to consider wrong, bad, etc
2. tr to withhold approval from

Derived Forms

• ˌdisapˈprovingly, adverb
• ˌdisapˈproving, adjective

Other Words From

• disap·prover noun
• disap·proving·ly adverb
• postdis·ap·proved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disapprove¹

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

Example Sentences

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

From The Daily Beast

Majorities disapprove of the job President Obama is doing, as well as the job being done be Republicans and Democrats in Congress.

From The Daily Beast

Some believe you need to be taught to disapprove of her morals and ethics.

From The Daily Beast

So why do we still love her but disapprove of all things GOOP?

From The Daily Beast

Her uncles disapprove of her work, but the real challenge lies in persuading parents to allow their daughters to participate.

From The Daily Beast

The acts done under incompetent rulers, by those who disapprove of their claims, come from neither.

From Project Gutenberg

With the supporters of such constitutions unamended, some who disapprove of them, have in some respects to co-operate.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no academy to check abuse, no large, cultivated public to disapprove of the new forms.

From Project Gutenberg

On the whole, Bud did not greatly disapprove of that; he was too actively resentful of his own mother-in-law.

From Project Gutenberg

They neither approve nor disapprove, commend or condemn, till they have consulted his looks and his countenance.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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