disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
disallowed; disallowing; disallows

transitive verb

1
: to deny the force, truth, or validity of
2
: to refuse to allow
disallowance noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Micky van de Ven’s reckless tackle on Sondre Aukland, straight after Bentancur’s goal had been disallowed, hinted at the underlying frustration. Jay Harris, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 If Vrabel wants to establish a winning culture, that means reinforcing certain habits and attitudes and disallowing others. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 After a vigorous lobbying campaign, Congress adopted a half measure, disallowing sales taxes but retaining the deductibility of other subnational levies. Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring their side's first goal which was later disallowed by VAR during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and RCD Mallorca at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 30, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disallow

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disallow was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disallow. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

disallow

verb
dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
: to refuse to admit or allow : reject
disallow a claim
disallowance noun

Legal Definition

disallow

transitive verb
dis·​al·​low ˌdi-sə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on disallow

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