Basic Details
Word: Disinherit
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To take away someone’s right to inherit money, property, or titles after a death.
Synonyms: Exclude, disown, displace
Antonyms: Inherit, include, accept
Idioms and Phrases
- Cut off from the will: To be excluded from receiving inheritance in a will. Example: "After their disagreement, he was cut off from the will, leaving him with nothing."
- Came into the family fortune: To inherit money or property from relatives. Example: "When his grandparents passed away, he came into the family fortune, allowing him to travel the world."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The father decided to disinherit his eldest son due to his reckless behaviour.
Example 2: After the family dispute, she was worried that she might be disinherited in her father's will.
Example 3: Many people feel it is unfair to disinherit a child without good reason.
Fun Fact
The word "disinherit" comes from the Middle English word "disinheriten," derived from the Old French "desheriter" and further from Latin "dishereditare," which means to take away inheritance rights. It has been used in legal contexts since the 14th century.
Famous Quote
"To disinherit is to fail to understand that inheritance is not just about money, but the values we pass on." - Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "disinherit" mean?
a) To give someone something
b) To take away inheritance rights
c) To adopt a child
d) To improve one's estate
Answer: b) To take away inheritance rights
2. Which of these is a synonym of "disinherit"?
a) Include
b) Accept
c) Exclude
d) Bequeath
Answer: c) Exclude
3. What is the antonym of "disinherit"?
a) Reject
b) Inherit
c) Disown
d) Abandon
Answer: b) Inherit
4. Which sentence uses "disinherit" correctly?
a) The lawyer advised her to disinherit her daughter.
b) They plan to disinherit their pets as soon as they move.
c) The family disinherited the neighbours during the party.
d) I disinherit sweets when I’m feeling healthy.
Answer: a) The lawyer advised her to disinherit her daughter.
5. Which idiom means to be excluded from receiving an inheritance?
a) Came into the family fortune
b) Cut off from the will
c) Hold the family together
d) Keep it in the family
Answer: b) Cut off from the will
