disbar

[dis-bahr]

verb (used with object)

disbarred, disbarring 

1. to expel from the legal profession or from the bar of a particular court.

   Synonyms: exclude, suspend, debar

disbar

/ dɪsˈbɑː /

verb

1. to deprive of the status of barrister; expel from the Bar

Usage

Disbar is sometimes wrongly used where debar is meant: he was debarred (not disbarred ) from attending meetings

Other Word Forms

• disbarment noun
• undisbarred adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disbar¹

First recorded in 1625–35; dis- ¹ + bar ¹

Example Sentences

He was disbarred as a lawyer in Washington DC and New York.

Read more on BBC

Supervisor Janice Hahn called the practice of paying for plaintiffs “despicable” and said any attorney guilty of the practice “should be disbarred, and their share of the settlement should go to the victims of abuse.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Criminal lawyer Anu Mohindru was disbarred by the Barristers' Tribunal Service when it determined he fabricated his CV while applying for a senior job.

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Section 6103.7 says lawyers can be suspended, disbarred or disciplined if they “report suspected immigration status or threaten to report suspected immigration status of a witness or party to a civil or administrative action.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A Westside lawyer, who used the promise of criminal justice reform to sign up thousands of inmate clients, has agreed to be disbarred for misleading prisoners and their families about their chances for release.

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Related Words

• cheapen 
• corrupt 
• debase 
• degenerate 
• demean 
• deteriorate 
• diminish 
• discredit 
• disgrace 
• downgrade 
• impair 
• lessen 
• reduce 
• vitiate 
• weaken