Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
verb (used without object)
- to differ in sentiment or opinion, especially from the majority; withhold assent; disagree (often followed by from): Two of the justices dissented from the majority decision.
- to disagree with the methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government; take an opposing view.
- to disagree with or reject the doctrines or authority of an established church.
noun
- difference of sentiment or opinion.
- dissenting opinion.
- disagreement with the philosophy, methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government.
- separation from an established church, especially the Church of England; nonconformity.
verb (intr)
- to have a disagreement or withhold assent
- Christianity to refuse to conform to the doctrines, beliefs, or practices of an established church, and to adhere to a different system of beliefs and practices
noun
- a difference of opinion
- Christianity separation from an established church; Nonconformism
- the voicing of a minority opinion in announcing the decision on a case at law; dissenting judgment
early 15c., from Latin dissentire “differ in sentiments, disagree, be at odds, contradict, quarrel,” from dis- “differently” (see dis-) + sentire “to feel, think” (see sense (n.)). Related: Dissented; dissenting. The noun is 1580s, from the verb.
Has there ever been a society which has died of dissent? Several have died of conformity in our lifetime. [Jacob Bronowski “Science and Human Values,” 1956]