dissent
[ dih-sent ]
/ dɪˈsɛnt /
verb (used without object)
to differ in sentiment or opinion, especially from the majority; withhold assent; disagree (often followed by from): Two of the justices dissented from the majority decision.
to disagree with the methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government; take an opposing view.
to disagree with or reject the doctrines or authority of an established church.
noun
RELATED CONTENT
RELATED WORDS
discord, objection, disunity, resistance, dissension, schism, protest, opposition, strife, contradict, differ, balk, demur, flak, denial, contention, disaccord, refusal, dissidence, hassle
Nearby words
Origin of dissent
1400–50; late Middle English dissenten (< Middle French dissentir) < Latin dissentīre, equivalent to dis- dis-1 + sentīre to feel
SYNONYMS FOR dissent
Related formsdis·sent·ing·ly, adverbnon·dis·sent·ing, adjective, nounun·dis·sent·ing, adjective
Synonym study
4, 6. Dissent, dissidence mean disagreement with the majority opinion. Dissent may express either withholding of agreement or open disagreement. Dissidence, formerly much the same as dissent, has come to suggest not only strong dissatisfaction but a determined opposition.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for dissent
British Dictionary definitions for dissent
dissent
/ (dɪˈsɛnt) /
verb (intr)
to have a disagreement or withhold assent
Christianity to refuse to conform to the doctrines, beliefs, or practices of an established church, and to adhere to a different system of beliefs and practices
noun
a difference of opinion
Christianity separation from an established church; Nonconformism
the voicing of a minority opinion in announcing the decision on a case at law; dissenting judgment
Derived Formsdissenter, noundissenting, adjectivedissentingly, adverb
Word Origin for dissent
C16: from Latin dissentīre to disagree, from dis- 1 + sentīre to perceive, feel
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for dissent
dissent
early 15c., from Latin dissentire "differ in sentiments, disagree, be at odds, contradict, quarrel," from dis- "differently" (see dis-) + sentire "to feel, think" (see sense (n.)). Related: Dissented; dissenting. The noun is 1580s, from the verb.
Has there ever been a society which has died of dissent? Several have died of conformity in our lifetime. [Jacob Bronowski "Science and Human Values," 1956]
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper