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Suffrage

SUF-rij /ˈsʌfrɪdʒ/

nounC1GRESATTOEFL

formalhistorical

The right to vote in political elections.

Suffrage specifically refers to the franchise or the right to vote. It is often used in historical contexts related to movements that fought for this right, such as women's suffrage or universal suffrage.

The story behind the word. The word 'suffrage' comes from the Latin 'suffragium,' which had a few meanings, including 'a vote, a political support, a ballot.' The origin of the Latin word itself is a bit debated, possibly related to 'suffrago' (the hock or ankle bone, perhaps referring to a broken piece used as a ballot) or 'sub-' (under) + 'fragor' (a crash, a shout, referring to acclamation). Regardless, by the time it entered English, it firmly meant the right to vote.

Word relationships

Franchise: A formal term for the right to vote, often used interchangeably with 'suffrage'.
Vote: The act of expressing a choice or opinion, or the right to do so (less formal than suffrage).

Disenfranchisement: The state of being deprived of a right or privilege, especially the right to vote.
Voter suppression: Tactics used to reduce or prevent voting by certain groups.

Word family

suffragist (noun): a person advocating the extension of suffrage, especially to women.
suffragette (noun): a woman seeking the right to vote through organized protest.

Collocations

women's suffrage
universal suffrage
grant suffrage
deny suffrage
suffrage movement

Example sentences

"The women's suffrage movement was a decades-long struggle to secure the right to vote for women in the United States." Historical movements.
"Universal suffrage ensures that all adult citizens, regardless of wealth, race, or gender, have the right to cast a ballot." Legal provisions.
"Expanding suffrage to previously excluded groups has been a hallmark of democratic progress throughout history." Debates on voting rights.

Memory hook

Imagine people 'SUFFERing' for the 'SUFFRAGE' (right to vote). SUFFER for the vote.

When not to use

Do not use 'suffrage' to mean 'suffering' or 'pain'; the words are unrelated. Also, it's generally reserved for the political right to vote, not for other forms of participation.

Fun facts

The term 'suffragette' was originally a derogatory term coined by the Daily Mail newspaper in 1906 to describe members of the Women's Social and Political Union in the UK, but the women themselves adopted it.