disenfranchisement

American  

[dis-en-fran-chahyz-muhnt, -chiz-] / ˌdɪs ɛnˈfræn tʃaɪz mənt, -tʃɪz- /

noun

1. the act of depriving a person of the rights or privileges of a citizen, especially the right to vote.

   Opponents claim that these changes to the voting registration laws will result in massive voter disenfranchisement, especially among minorities, seniors, and youth.

2. the act of depriving a person of the rights or privileges of full participation in any community or organization, especially of the opportunity to influence policy or make one’s voice heard.

   The disenfranchisement of women at the household level, with male control over household funds, has contributed to the devaluation of women's labor.

3. the act of depriving a person of a legal or commercial franchise.

   Persistent violations of the contract will result in the disenfranchisement of the franchisee.

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Etymology

Origin of disenfranchisement

First recorded in 1715–25; disenfranchise ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Example Sentences

Alliance Party assembly member Sian Mulholland said the "disenfranchisement of our society's young people" has been a "major democratic deficit".

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2025

Its mission grew from finding creative solutions to poverty and political disenfranchisement in the U.S. to funding humanitarian and human rights projects around the world.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2024

Still another subgenre highlights the fear of disenfranchisement.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2024

Two lawsuits in recent years have challenged Mississippi’s felony disenfranchisement.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2024

Du Bois praised and embraced Washington’s emphasis on “thrift, patience, and industrial training for the masses,” but sharply disagreed with his public acceptance of segregation, disenfranchisement, and legalized discrimination.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander