disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ 

disallowed; disallowing; disallows

transitive verb

1

: to deny the force, truth, or validity of

2

: to refuse to allow

disallowance

ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s 

noun

Synonyms

• contradict
• deny
• disaffirm
• disavow
• disclaim
• disconfirm
• disown
• gainsay
• negate
• negative
• refute
• reject
• repudiate

Examples of disallow in a Sentence

The touchdown was disallowed because of a penalty.

disallowing the philosophical concept of free will

Recent Examples on the Web

Content that violates site-wide rules should be disallowed and removed. —Jay Peters, The Verge, 12 Dec. 2024

Still, several states may disallow such leave if the polls are open for a few consecutive hours before or after an employee’s shift. —Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024

Four goals in the first half, four in the second, the woodwork was smashed, goals were disallowed, it was played like a basketball match for the first hour and there was beef. —Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024

Lawmakers are now trying to firm up the law by disallowing most of the disposable bags that retailers were allowed to offer if a customer didn't have a reusable bag. —Axios San Diego, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ 

: to refuse to admit or allow : reject

disallow a claim

disallowance

-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s 

noun

Legal Definition

disallow

transitive verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdi-sə-ˈlau̇ 

1

: to deny the truth, force, or validity of

disallowed the deduction

disallow a bankruptcy claim

2

: to refuse to allow

disallow payment of benefits

disallowance noun