Disallow

/ˌdɪs.əˈlaʊ/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To refuse to allow something; to prohibit or reject.
The committee will disallow any changes to the proposed budget.
To not accept a claim or proposal as valid or legitimate.
Her application was disallowed due to incomplete information.
To deny permission or the right to do something.
The school disallows students from using cell phones during class.
To make something invalid, especially in terms of rules or regulations.
The referee decided to disallow the goal because of a foul.
To reject an allowance or exception to a general rule.
They disallowed her request for an extension on the deadline.

Etymology

From Middle English disalowe, from Old French desaloier, from des- + alouer (to allow).

Common Phrases and Expressions

disallow a claim
To reject a claim or assertion.
disallowed transaction
A transaction that has been invalidated or rejected.
disallow evidence
To refuse to admit a piece of evidence in a legal context.

Related Words

allow
To give permission for something.
approve
To agree to or accept something.
license
To give official permission to do something.

Slang Meanings

To shut down
They totally disallowed my idea during the meeting.
To nix
The boss disallowed that plan right off the bat.