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

When Franklin’s will was read in 1790, William discovered that he had essentially been disinherited all over again. —Stacy Schiff, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025

In many estranged families, the situation is the opposite: Heirs sue because they are disappointed by their share of the estate when they are either disinherited or given less than expected. —Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2025

In the end, Erin received none of that money; Wood disinherited Erin and then died by suicide in February 2023, nearly two years after she was shot. —Chris Spargo, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

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

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