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

Demonstrating and distributing literature are also disallowed unless the department gives approval and the activity doesn’t impede the use of the facility or interfere with public safety. —Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 14 Nov. 2025

If applied properly, the current rules would either disallow new injection in this area or limit it to much safer volumes. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025

The goal, which would have given the Jackets a 3-1 lead, was immediately disallowed by NHL officials. —Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025

If securitization bonds are issued, funds collected from customers to repay those bonds are refunded if the commission determines the utility acted imprudently and disallows cost recovery. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 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