suffrage

American  

[suhf-rij] / ˈsʌf rɪdʒ /

noun

1. the right to vote, especially in a political election.

2. a vote given in favor of a proposed measure, candidate, or the like.

3. Ecclesiastical. a prayer, especially a short intercessory prayer or petition.

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suffrage British  

/ ˈsʌfrɪdʒ /

noun

1. the right to vote, esp in public elections; franchise

2. the exercise of such a right; casting a vote

3. a supporting vote

4. a prayer, esp a short intercessory prayer

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suffrage Cultural  

1. The right to vote (see franchise). In the United States, the term is often associated with the women's movement to win voting rights. (See suffragist.)

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Other Word Forms

• antisuffrage adjective
• nonsuffrage noun
• presuffrage noun
• prosuffrage adjective

Etymology

Origin of suffrage

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin suffrāgium “voting tablet, a vote cast in an assembly (for a law or candidate), an act of voting or the exercise of the right to vote, the decision reached by a vote, an expression of approval, influence or promotion on behalf of a candidate,” equivalent to Latin suffrāg(ārī) “to express public support, vote or canvass for, support” + -ium noun suffix; -ium

Example Sentences

The law requires that committee to review designs, and after a multiyear effort, it settled on five themes for the five quarters: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, abolition, suffrage and civil rights.

From The Wall Street Journal

After college, Rankin became an advocate and organizer for the suffrage movement in several western states and New York.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her show “Suffs,” which is about the women’s suffrage movement leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, opens Tuesday at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre as part of its inaugural national tour.

From Los Angeles Times

Before he started his four-year term, Tik vowed to get fellow lawmakers to debate the hot-button issue of universal suffrage to elect Hong Kong's leader.

From Barron's

His oratory and pen helped shape the 14th Amendment’s guarantees of citizenship and equal protection and the 15th’s promise of black male suffrage.

From The Wall Street Journal