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

His most notable involvement in the second half was a foul on Elliot Anderson that led to a Heggem goal being disallowed after a VAR review. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 July 2026

England’s only goal from this match maybe should have been disallowed. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026

After a try to backrower Jac Morgan was disallowed, Wales used a penalty advantage to tap the ball and prop Rhys Carre crashed over. — ABC News, 11 July 2026

But the wild celebrations were cut short when a foul earlier in the move was confirmed on video review and the goal was disallowed. — James Robson, Twin Cities, 7 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