verb
disapprove
dih-suh-PROOV
verb
1
To think something is wrong or unacceptable (usually followed by "of").
"Her parents disapproved of her new boyfriend."
"He disapproves of drinking during work hours."
2
To formally reject or refuse to approve something.
"The committee disapproved the proposed budget."
How to Use Disapprove
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo feel or show that you think something is wrong, or to officially reject it.
Common mistake
When talking about disliking someone's behaviour, you disapprove OF it — leaving out "of" ("I disapprove your choice") sounds wrong in everyday speech.
Common pairings
disapprove of
strongly disapprove
Word Forms
disapproved past tense, disapproves singular
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Her parents _____ of her new boyfriend.
Etymology
From dis- + approve.