disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
disallowed; disallowing; disallows

transitive verb

1
: to deny the force, truth, or validity of
2
: to refuse to allow
disallowance noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Isak could be sold to Al Hilal for £150m and Newcastle would enjoy the cash, but under UEFA rules, they’d be disallowed from booking any profit — thus doing nothing to improve their ability to remain compliant on the European stage. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 25 July 2025 The law disallows such a relationship to keep the testing labs independent of their customers. Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025 In the unanimous decision written by Justice Steven D. Ecker, the court adopted PURA’s argument on disallowing Aquarion’s costliest claim, the $42 million investment on water system improvements. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025 The San Diego Superior Court did not respond to a request for comment; ethics rules disallow judges from commenting on pending cases. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for disallow

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disallow was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Disallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disallow. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

disallow

verb
dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
: to refuse to admit or allow : reject
disallow a claim
disallowance noun

Legal Definition

disallow

transitive verb
dis·​al·​low ˌdi-sə-ˈlau̇ How to pronounce disallow (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on disallow

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