verb
- to deprive (a person or group) of the right to vote
- to deprive (a person or group) of rights, privileges, or power
Usage: often used in historical or political contexts
Usage: broader sense beyond voting
Examples
- The new law threatened to disenfranchise millions of voters.
- Historically, women were disenfranchised in many countries until the 20th century.
- The policy would disenfranchise low-income citizens from accessing essential services.
- Civil rights activists fought against efforts to disenfranchise African American voters.
- The company's decision to disenfranchise small shareholders angered investors.
- Restrictive voting laws have been criticized for attempting to disenfranchise certain communities.