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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.

disinherit

/ˌdɪsɪnˈhɛrɪt/ /ˌdɪsɪnˈhɛrɪt/

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.

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