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

I look at the tickets in my hand and can’t help seeing Mom’s disapproving face.

From Literature

The meeting was a first step by Cahillane to get Kraft Heinz back on track with Berkshire—an original architect of the company that now disapproved of its direction.

From The Wall Street Journal

But gasoline is approaching $4 a gallon, interest rates have nudged up 50 basis points, and opinion polls are disapproving.

From The Wall Street Journal

The poll found that 48% of California registered voters say they approve of the job Newsom is doing, with the same share disapproving of his performance.

From Los Angeles Times

And now she was back to fretting about my running around with boys, worrying that Ba would somehow find out and disapprove, doubting that I could snag a boy like James.

From Literature

Related Words

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