deign, depersonalize, proscribe, venerate, disenfranchise: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from SAT Vocabulary Level 3 set 241. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. deign · verb/deɪn/

   to do something that one considers to be beneath one's dignity

   Despite his high position, he did not deign to respond to the complaint from his staff.

   Synonyms: condescend, stoop, lower oneself

   Origin: from Old French 'deignier', from Latin 'dignari', meaning to think worthy; related to 'dignus', meaning worthy.

2. depersonalize · verb/diˈpɜr sə nəˌlaɪz/

   to remove the personal characteristics or individuality from someone or something

   The standardized testing system tends to depersonalize the educational experience, making students feel like just another number.

   Synonyms: dehumanize, anonymize, objectify

   Origin: The term 'depersonalize' is formed from the prefix 'de-' which means removal or reversal, and 'personalize', derived from 'personal', stemming from Latin 'personalis' meaning 'of a person'.

3. proscribe · verb/proʊˈskaɪb/

   to forbid or prohibit something officially or by law

   The new law will proscribe the sale of tobacco products to minors.

   Synonyms: forbid, prohibit, ban

   Origin: The word 'proscribe' comes from the Latin 'proscribere', meaning to 'publish abroad' or 'make known', which is composed of 'pro-' meaning 'before' and 'scribere' meaning 'to write'.

4. venerate · verb/ˈvɛnəˌreɪt/

   to regard with great respect or reverence

   Many cultures venerate their ancestors, believing that their spirits guide and protect them.

   Synonyms: revere, idolize, worship

   Origin: from Latin 'venerari' meaning 'to adore, to worship'; related to 'venus' meaning 'love' or 'charm'

5. disenfranchise · verb/ˌdɪs.ɪnˈfræntʃaɪz/

   to deprive someone of the right to vote or other rights

   Many voter ID laws have been criticized for their potential to disenfranchise low-income citizens.

   Synonyms: deprive, exclude, strip

   Origin: The word 'disenfranchise' comes from the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'to do the opposite of' and 'enfranchise', which is derived from the Old French 'franchir' meaning 'to free' or 'to liberate'.