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 of disallow

• deny
• reject
• refute

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

While horses aren’t disallowed in city limits, Charlotte has some additional regulations on how they and other animals can be ridden. —Nick Sullivan april 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026

The Leafs also had two go-ahead goals disallowed, an own-goal off Joel Edmundson that was nullified for an offside entry and a strike from Robertson because Toronto had too many men on the ice. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026

At the same time, a Metro Rapid bus occupied by a driver and passengers was trapped by crowd, which disallowed it from moving. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026

But because these were disallowed before there was a new system, they were just all removed … and that’s permanent. —Megan Molteni, STAT, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for disallow

• anyhow
• carabao
• disavow
• allow
• avow
• basedow
• chiao
• endow
• eyebrow
• highbrow
• lanao
• meow

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