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

That came in the Chelsea-Fulham game at Stamford Bridge in August, where a goal was disallowed when a home player accidentally stood on an opponent’s foot in the build-up. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Things looked even better for Argentina when Spain had a goal disallowed for what appeared to be a very soft foul by Mikel Merino on an Albiceleste defender that ruled out Williams’ effort. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

These cases aren’t about monetary damages, but instead injunctive relief—specifically, a court order that blocks the NCAA from disallowing an athlete whom the NCAA classifies as ineligible. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 July 2026

Torres had a second goal disallowed, for the narrowest of offside calls. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for disallow

• anyhow
• carabao
• disavow
• allow
• avow
• chiao
• endow
• eyebrow
• highbrow
• lanao
• meow
• powwow

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