verb (used with object), dis·en·fran·chised, dis·en·fran·chis·ing.
- to disfranchise.
verb (tr)
- to deprive (a person) of the right to vote or other rights of citizenship
- to deprive (a place) of the right to send representatives to an elected body
- to deprive (a business concern, etc) of some privilege or right
- to deprive (a person, place, etc) of any franchise or right
“deprive of civil or electoral privileges,” 1640s, from dis- + enfranchise. Earlier form was disfranchise (mid-15c.). Related: Disenfranchised; disenfranchisement.