suffrage

[suhf-rij]

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.

suffrage

/ 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

suffrage

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.)

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffrage¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffrage¹

C14: from Latin suffrāgium

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There he involves his wife, Lady Jane, who must balance securing their entry into London high society — and thus their future prospects — with her growing involvement in women’s suffrage.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Every generation scuffles for something: suffrage, equality, autonomy, decent health, fair pay, even the right to keep on fighting.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

White women were not given suffrage until the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920.

Read more on Salon