disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

disapproved; disapproving; disapproves

transitive verb

1

: to pass unfavorable judgment on

2

: to refuse approval to : reject

intransitive verb

: to feel or express disapproval

disapprover noun

disapprovingly

ˌdis-ə-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• decline
• deny
• disallow
• negative
• nix
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate
• withhold

Examples of disapprove in a Sentence

She married him even though her parents disapproved.

The treaty was disapproved by the Senate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, polling suggests that significant numbers of young voters and Black Americans disapprove of Biden’s support for Israel in its war with Hamas, which the US and the European Union have designated a terrorist organization. —Bloomberg, Orange County Register, 21 May 2024

At the time of writing, the poll had received 946 responses, with 63% of voters giving her outfit the disapproving X emoji. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1562, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

disapprove

verb

dis·​ap·​prove ˌdis-ə-ˈprüv 

1

: to dislike or be against someone or something

disapproved the child's conduct

disapproves of smoking

2

: to refuse to give approval to : reject

disapproved the architect's plans

disapprovingly

-ˈprü-viŋ-lē 

adverb