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

But it was disallowed because the puck was kicked into the net. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026

Importantly, the First Proof rules disallow human mathematical input or prodding. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2026

Should he be disallowed from competing on Thursday, he will be remembered in Ukraine as an athlete who took a bold stand, who put the love of his countrymen over the pursuit of gold, silver or bronze. —Steve Buckley, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026

All food and liquid is disallowed between sundown on the eve of Yom Kippur until sundown the following day. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 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