disinherit

verb

dis·​in·​her·​it ˌdis-in-ˈher-ət 

-ˈhe-rət

disinherited; disinheriting; disinherits

transitive verb

1

: to prevent deliberately from inheriting something (as by making a will)

2

: to deprive of natural or human rights or of previously held special privileges

disinheritance

ˌdis-in-ˈher-ə-tən(t)s 

-ˈhe-rə-

noun

Examples of disinherit in a Sentence

She threatened to disinherit her son and leave him penniless.

Recent Examples on the Web

What if the language in that trust is nettlesome and may disinherit your or your child? —Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

Who will stand up for the disposed, disinherited and poor? —Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025

Those with substantial assets can use threats of disinheriting their kids to try to force them into doing their bidding. —Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Related Articles Dear Abby: My husband was disinherited and nobody acknowledges the injustice My older brothers are planning the event. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for disinherit

• buret
• carat
• ferret
• garret
• karat
• merit
• parrot
• demerit
• inherit
• preterit

Kids Definition

disinherit

verb

dis·​in·​her·​it ˌdis-ᵊn-ˈher-ət 

: to deprive of the right to inherit

Legal Definition

disinherit

transitive verb

dis·​in·​her·​it ˌdis-ᵊn-ˈher-ət 

: to prevent deliberately from inheriting something (as by making a will) see also elective share

disinheritance

-ˈher-ə-təns 

noun