Meaning & Definition of word "Disenfranchise"

Disenfranchise

/dɪs.ɪnˈfræn.ˌʧaɪz/

1. To deprive someone of the right to vote or other rights.
- Example: The new voting laws may disenfranchise many low-income citizens.
2. To take away power or influence from a group or individual.
- Example: The changes in policy could disenfranchise younger voters who are less likely to meet the new requirements.
3. To render a group or individual powerless or ineffective.
- Example: Historically, certain laws were enacted to disenfranchise minority communities.

Early 19th century: from dis- ‘reverse’ + enfranchise.

voter disenfranchisement:

The systemic exclusion of certain groups from voting.

disenfranchised communities:

Groups of people who have been deprived of their voting rights.

enfranchise:

To grant a right or privilege, especially the right to vote.

suffrage:

The right to vote in political elections.

Meaning: to get cut off from voting

Example Sentence: If they pass that law, we’ll all get disenfranchised.

Meaning: to be left out of decisions

Example Sentence: Too often, young people feel disenfranchised by the political system.