disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

disapproved; disapproving; disapproves

transitive verb

1

: to pass unfavorable judgment on

2

: to refuse approval to : reject

intransitive verb

: to feel or express disapproval

disapprover noun

disapprovingly

ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• decline
• deny
• disallow
• negative
• nix
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate
• withhold

Examples of disapprove in a Sentence

She married him even though her parents disapproved.

The treaty was disapproved by the Senate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Of the tens of thousands of rules issued since then, fewer than two dozen have faced a Congress actually getting up on its hind legs to disapprove them with presidental buy-in. —Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

Given gender norms and expectations at the time, the historian adds, the public likely would have disapproved of such exploits. —Kellie B. Gormly, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024

People also generally disapproved of hunting either species for meat. —Rebecca Niemiec, The Conversation, 13 Sep. 2024

Her disapproving future mother-in-law, famous novelist Greer Garrison Winbury [Kidman], has spared no expense in planning what promises to be the premiere wedding of the season — until a body turns up on the beach. —Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

1

: to dislike or be against someone or something

disapproved the child's conduct

disapproves of smoking

2

: to refuse to give approval to : reject

disapproved the architect's plans

disapprovingly

-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb