definitions

dissent

[ dih-sent ]
/ dɪˈsɛnt /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR dissent ON THESAURUS.COM

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

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RELATED WORDS

discord, objection, disunity, resistance, dissension, schism, protest, opposition, strife, contradict, differ, balk, demur, flak, denial, contention, disaccord, refusal, dissidence, hassle

Nearby words

disseminated sclerosis, disseminated tuberculosis, dissemination, disseminule, dissension, dissent, dissenter, dissentient, dissenting opinion, dissentious, dissepiment

Origin of dissent

1400–50; late Middle English dissenten (< Middle French dissentir) < Latin dissentīre, equivalent to dis- dis-1 + sentīre to feel

Related forms

dis·sent·ing·ly, adverbnon·dis·sent·ing, adjective, nounun·dis·sent·ing, adjective

Can be confused

decent descent dissent

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 Forms

dissenter, 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012