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Disempowerment - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Disempowerment is the process of reducing someone’s confidence, authority, or control, often by limiting their rights, opportunities, or ability to make decisions. It leads to feelings of helplessness or marginalization.

disempowerment

/ˌdɪsɪmˈpaʊərmənt/ /ˌdɪsɪmˈpaʊəmənt/

Definition:

The act of making someone feel less confident or capable, often by restricting their power or authority.

Synonyms:

subjugation, oppression, marginalization, weakening

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

empowerment, enablement, liberation

Common Collocations:

feelings of disempowerment, political disempowerment, economic disempowerment

Derivatives:

disempower, disempowered, disempowering

Usage Tips:

Use "disempowerment" to describe situations where individuals or groups lose control over their own lives or decisions.

Common Phrases:

cycle of disempowerment, systemic disempowerment, cultural disempowerment

Etymology:

Derived from "dis-" (reverse action) + "empower," originating from Old French "empoeirier" (to invest with power).

Examples:

  • 1. The policy led to widespread disempowerment among workers.
  • 2. She fought against the disempowerment of marginalized communities.
  • 3. Disempowerment often results from unequal access to resources.
  • 4. Teachers discussed ways to reduce student disempowerment in classrooms.

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