disapprobation

noun

dis·​ap·​pro·​ba·​tion (ˌ)dis-ˌa-prə-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce disapprobation (audio)
: the act or state of disapproving : the state of being disapproved : condemnation

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Disapprobation is not only a synonym of disapproval but a relative as well. Both words were coined in the 17th century by adding the prefix dis-, meaning "the opposite or absence of," to existing "approving" words: synonyms approbation and approval. The ultimate source of the foursome is the Latin verb approbare, meaning "to approve." Another descendant of approbare is approbate, which means "to express approval of formally or legally." Love it or lump it, approbare has proven itself useful.

Examples of disapprobation in a Sentence

the constant disapprobation of critics there was widespread disapprobation of the plan to combine the two school districts
Recent Examples on the Web Consumers express their opinions with their wallets, and disapprobation on social media. Benjamin Voyer, Forbes, 31 Mar. 2023 His felony conviction drew much of the disapprobation of anti-D’Souza readers, several of whom pointed out the current firestorm between the Scott administration and courts that have found Florida’s clemency process is confusing and arbitrary. Dan Sweeney, Sun-Sentinel.com, 8 May 2018 And maybe, too, for its perhaps-accidental prescience. The thing is, there are no real scandals on Scandal; the word implies a public reaction of disgust and disapprobation. Daniel D'addario, Time, 19 Apr. 2018 Latino kids are not rejected by their parents for being Latino, nor are most Muslims disowned by their parents for being Muslims, but those who are gay are often the target of their families’ disapprobation or outright hostility. Andrew Solomon, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2017 Gail O’Neill, a journalist and former model, said that for some, Ms. Keys has become a Rorschach test, and the disapprobation for the singer’s personal choice comes from women who are measuring themselves against it. Penelope Green, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2016

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disapprobation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disapprobation was in 1625

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Dictionary Entries Near disapprobation

Cite this Entry

“Disapprobation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disapprobation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

disapprobation

noun
dis·​ap·​pro·​ba·​tion (ˌ)dis-ˌap-rə-ˈbā-shən How to pronounce disapprobation (audio)
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