disallow

[dis-uh-lou]

verb (used with object)

1. to refuse to allow; reject; veto.

   to disallow a claim for compensation.

2. to refuse to admit the truth or validity of.

   to disallow the veracity of a report.

disallow

/ ˌdɪsəˈlaʊ /

verb

1. to reject as untrue or invalid

2. to cancel

Other Word Forms

• disallowable adjective
• disallowableness noun
• disallowance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disallow¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Old French word desallouer. See dis- ¹, allow

Example Sentences

Headbutts were disallowed in part to draw the action out, and also because John McCain didn’t want what he called “human cockfighting” on TV.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors later dropped charges against him as a judge disallowed the confession he made as a minor.

From BBC

"It was never a handball, it's crazy that the referee disallowed that," Tounekti said.

From BBC

"How you disallow a goal like that is unbelievable," Silva told TNT Sports after the game, which left Fulham winless after three Premier League matches.

From BBC

A seething Marco Silva told TNT Sports the decision to disallow King's fine finish was "unbelievable".

From BBC

Related Words

• forbid 
• rebuff