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

The court has said that the allegations of disenfranchisement "largely appears to be a case of trust deficit, nothing else" and that it would "step in immediately" if mass exclusion of voters is proven.

From BBC • Aug. 13, 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

The case was litigated as a right-to-vote case: Is there a right to vote in the Constitution, and does this felony disenfranchisement law infringe upon it?

From Salon • May 11, 2024

There was a disenfranchisement from both the present and the past, from the body beside him and the headlights in front of him; he was enclosed in a timeless realm without margins, outlines, or tense.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy