Suffrage

/ˈsʌfɪdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The right to vote in political elections.
The suffrage movement fought tirelessly for women's right to vote.
The exercise of the right to vote.
Many citizens exercised their suffrage by participating in the election.
The franchise or the privilege of voting.
Suffrage has expanded over the decades to include various groups who were previously disenfranchised.

Etymology

From Latin 'suffragium', meaning 'voting tablet, support' or 'a vote'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

universal suffrage
The right of all adults to vote in elections.
women's suffrage
The movement advocating for women's right to vote.
suffrage movement
The campaign for voting rights, especially for women.

Related Words

franchise
The right to vote in elections, often extended to groups previously denied this right.
polling
The process of voting, especially in elections.

Slang Meanings