suffrage

suf·frage

noun \ˈsə-frij, sometimes -fə-rij\

Definition of SUFFRAGE

1

: a short intercessory prayer usually in a series

2

: a vote given in deciding a controverted question or electing a person for an office or trust

3

: the right of voting : franchise; also : the exercise of such right

Examples of SUFFRAGE

1. women who fought for suffrage
2. <even as the world entered the 21st century, some nations still did not permit women's suffrage>

Origin of SUFFRAGE

in sense 1, from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin suffragium, from Latin, vote, political support, from suffragari to support with one's vote; in other senses, from Latin suffragium

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SUFFRAGE

Synonyms

ballot, enfranchisement, franchise, vote

Antonyms

disenfranchisement

Related Words

say, say-so, voice

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism