disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ 

disallowed; disallowing; disallows

transitive verb

1

: to deny the force, truth, or validity of

2

: to refuse to allow

disallowance

ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s 

noun

Synonyms of disallow

• deny
• reject
• refute

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

Austria eventually emerged with a 3-1 win Tuesday night over first-time World Cup participant Jordan, but only after a series of dramatic moments, including a go-ahead goal disallowed on video review, an own goal by Jordan, and a successful penalty kick 12 minutes into extra time. —Doug Duran, Mercury News, 17 June 2026

Three times in the second half the U.S. found the back of the net but only one was not disallowed (via Folarin Balogun). —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026

Tosi disallowed the challenge and appeared to explain to Pirates manager Don Kelly why it wasn’t granted. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026

The sheriff sued Robinson after 93 claims for payment by the sheriff were disallowed by Robinson. —Arkansas Online, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for disallow

• anyhow
• carabao
• disavow
• allow
• avow
• chiao
• endow
• eyebrow
• highbrow
• lanao
• meow
• powwow

Kids Definition

disallow

verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdis-ə-ˈlau̇ 

: to refuse to admit or allow : reject

disallow a claim

disallowance

-ˈlau̇-ən(t)s 

noun

Legal Definition

disallow

transitive verb

dis·​al·​low ˌdi-sə-ˈlau̇ 

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