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

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

From BBC

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.”

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

After all, if we can have a convicted felon in the White House, why not a disbarred, but loyal, lawyer on the nation’s highest court?

From Salon

When the case went to trial, Duran’s lawyer — who State Bar of California records show was later disbarred for unrelated “acts of moral turpitude” — put on what Baca described as a “grossly ineffective” defense.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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