disempower
dis-im-POW-er
/ˌdɪs.ɪmˈpaʊ.ər/
To deprive someone of power, influence, confidence, or legal rights.
Focuses on stripping away power or confidence that someone previously held or should rightfully possess.
The story behind the word. Formed by attaching the negative prefix 'dis-' to 'empower' in the late 20th century. It emerged during civil rights and feminist discourse to highlight active processes that reduce personal authority.
Word relationships
- enfeeble: Enfeeble implies making physically or organizationally weak, while disempower specifically targets authority and rights.
- empower: Empower gives power or authority to someone.
Commonly confused with
- disable: Disempower strips authority or influence; disable stops machinery or physical function.
Word family
- disempowerment (noun): The process of stripping someone of power or confidence.
- disempowered (adjective): Deprived of power, authority, or influence.
Collocations
- disempower voters
- systematically disempower
- disempower individuals
Example sentences
- "Discriminatory legislation serves directly to disempower marginalized communities by denying them economic resources." Civil Rights (Audre Lorde, Sister Outsider)
- "Strict voting regulations can disempower young voters who move frequently." Political Analysis
Memory hook
Dis (take away) + empower (power) = take away someone's power. Strip of power.
When not to use
Avoid using for simple physical weakness; it refers to social, psychological, or political powerlessness.
Fun facts
- The antonym 'empower' predates 'disempower' by centuries, but 'disempower' became vital in legal and social critiques.
Related words
Explore more words
empower, demoralize, empowerment, disenfranchise, discredit, deprivation
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