Definition of "dis-" in English

prefix

1. Not, the reverse of. (Especially forming words with a negative connotation)

   • dis- + agree → disagree
   • dis- + connect → disconnect
   • dis- + satisfied → dissatisfied
   • dis- + interested → disinterested
   • dis- + honour → dishonour

2. Expressing separation or removal.

   • dis- + card → discard (“to throw out a card”)
   • dis- + bar → disbar (“to expel from the bar”)
   • dis- + franchise → disfranchise (“to remove one's franchise, to prevent from voting”)

3. Used as an intensifier.

   • dis- + embowel → disembowel
   • dis- + annul → disannul (“to annul”)

4. Alternative form of dys- (“incorrect”).

   • dis- + function → disfunction