Disinherit - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To disinherit means to legally exclude someone, usually a family member, from receiving an inheritance or any part of one’s estate after death. It involves cutting off their right to inherit property or assets.
Definition:
To exclude someone from inheriting property or rights, typically by legal means.
Synonyms:
disown, cut off, exclude, deprive
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
inherit, bequeath, include
Common Collocations:
disinherit a child, legal will, family dispute
Derivatives:
disinheritance, disinherited
Usage Tips:
Use "disinherit" when legally preventing someone from receiving an inheritance; often involves a will or formal declaration.
Common Phrases:
cut out of the will, written out of the inheritance
Etymology:
From Old French "desheriter," meaning to deprive of inheritance; Latin roots "dis-" (apart) + "hereditare" (inherit).
Examples:
- 1. The father threatened to disinherit his son if he dropped out of college.
- 2. She decided to disinherit her nephew after a bitter family argument.
- 3. The wealthy businessman chose to disinherit his greedy relatives in his will.
- 4. Some cultures frown upon parents who disinherit their children without just cause.