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.
Presumably, all of Moore's clients were audited, had these phantom losses disallowed, and ended up paying the harsh 40% penalty for lack of economic substance. Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Video refereeing was used 39 times on the first day of the season, with one red card being corrected and three goals disallowed for offside. Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025 According to reports, it has been disallowed in settings of all kinds. Keyaira Boone, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025 All food and liquid is disallowed between sundown on the eve of Yom Kippur until sundown the following day. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 30 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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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