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

• contradict
• deny
• disaffirm
• disavow
• disclaim
• disconfirm
• disown
• gainsay
• negate
• negative
• refute
• reject
• repudiate

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

If convicted, Lincoln will be disallowed from owning animals and fined a minimum of $50,000, per Virginia law. —Christina Coulter, People.com, 22 May 2025

The way Montjuic erupted when Fermin Lopez scored what should have made the match safe at 5-3 — his effort was disallowed for handball — summed it all up. —Pol Ballús, New York Times, 12 May 2025

At the same time, the brevity that disallows discussion of the myriad central planning conceits of monetarism is simple when discussing Paul Volcker. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025

The court, which is bound by ethical rules disallowing judges from commenting on pending cases, declined comment. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025

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