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

The boxes come streaming down the belt and disallow this comradery’s lasting forever. — Padgett Powell, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

But a video review ruled that Waldemar Anton has pushed Gill to the ground before the shot and the goal was disallowed. — Kyle Hightower, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026

But a video review ruled that Waldemar Anton had pushed Gill to the ground before the shot, and the goal was disallowed. — Kyle Hightower, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Jayed ruled that Waldermar Anton collided with the keeper while the ball was airborne, disallowing the goal. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for disallow

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

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