disapprove

[ dis-uh-proov ]
See synonyms for disapprove on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),dis·ap·proved, dis·ap·prov·ing.
  1. to think (something) wrong or reprehensible; censure or condemn in opinion.

  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).

Origin of disapprove

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

Other words for disapprove

Opposites for disapprove

Other words from disapprove

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

Words that may be confused with disapprove

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use disapprove in a sentence

  • Deeply as they disapproved of his politics, they respected his independence and were inordinately proud of him.

    Ancestors | Gertrude Atherton
  • Notwithstanding these successes, the Dutch government disapproved of Count Maurice's administration.

  • Sir Alexander Pepps recommended leeches to the throat: Mr. Brook disapproved of them.

    Elster's Folly | Mrs. Henry Wood
  • Yet those who disapproved of that system found no illustration more practically effective to illustrate their argument.

    The English Church in the Eighteenth Century | Charles J. Abbey and John H. Overton
  • He disapproved, also, of that part of the plan which confined relief and employment to the workhouses.

British Dictionary definitions for disapprove

disapprove

/ (ˌdɪsəˈpruːv) /


verb
  1. (intr often foll by of) to consider wrong, bad, etc

  2. (tr) to withhold approval from

Derived forms of disapprove

  • disapproving, adjective
  • disapprovingly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012