What does disinherit mean?
To disinherit is to intentionally deprive someone—most often a child or other close relative—of their expected share of an estate, typically through the terms of a will. The word combines the prefix 'dis-' with 'inherit', literally meaning to undo or reverse inheritance. Disinheritance is usually a dramatic and emotionally charged act, signalling a serious rupture in a family relationship, and it frequently appears in literature and drama as a source of conflict. In many legal systems, disinheriting certain relatives requires explicit documentation, and in some jurisdictions spouses or children retain rights that make complete disinheritance difficult. Related forms include the noun 'disinheritance' and the adjective 'disinherited'. The word is most at home in formal, legal, and literary registers, where it carries connotations of judgment, rejection, and lasting familial division.
verbTo deliberately prevent someone (typically a family member, especially a child) from inheriting one's property or estate after one's death.
- To deprive someone (usually a relative) of the right to inherit one's property by deliberate legal action.
"After years of estrangement, the old man disinherited his only son and left everything to charity."
"She threatened to disinherit her daughter if she married against her wishes."
"The will revealed that he had been disinherited in favour of a distant cousin."
In many jurisdictions, you can disinherit your children — but in some places like Louisiana, you'd better have a very good reason, because they can challenge it in court.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disinherit
'Disinherit' derives from Middle English, formed from the prefix 'dis-' (indicating reversal or deprivation) combined with 'inherit', which itself comes from Old French 'enheriter', ultimately from Late Latin 'inhereditare' ('to appoint as heir'), from Latin 'heres' ('heir'). The word has been in use since the medieval period, reflecting long-standing concerns over succession and family estates. It shares its root with words such as 'heir', 'heritage', and 'hereditary', all tracing back to the same Latin origin relating to inheritance and succession.
Related word forms
How disinherit is actually used
Typically used in formal or legal contexts. The verb usually takes a person as its direct object and implies a deliberate act, often documented in a will. Carries emotional connotations of rejection or family conflict.
Easily confused with disinherit
'Disown' means to refuse to acknowledge or have any relationship with someone, while 'disinherit' specifically means to legally prevent them from receiving an inheritance.