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Grammar and word types

Words that start with the prefix dis-

This list is for students learning how prefixes change word meaning, especially the common prefix dis-, which turns a word into its opposite or negative form. Use it to practice recognizing the prefix, predicting meanings, and building longer vocabulary lists from familiar root words.

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Words that start with the prefix dis-

32 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
disagreeverbTo hold a different opinion from someone else, or to fail to match or be consistent with something.The two economists disagreed sharply about whether the new tax would help or hurt small businesses.
disappearverbTo stop being visible or to cease to exist, often suddenly or without a clear explanation.The sun disappeared behind thick clouds just as we reached the top of the hill.
disadvantagenounAn unfavorable circumstance or condition that reduces the chance of success or acceptance.Being new to the industry put her at a disadvantage during salary negotiations.
disapproveverbTo have or express an unfavorable opinion about someone or something.Her parents disapprove of her decision to drop out of college.
disarmverbTo take away someone's weapons, or to remove the cause of danger, hostility, or suspicion, often by being charming.Police managed to disarm the suspect without anyone getting hurt.
discardverbTo get rid of something that is no longer wanted, needed, or useful.She discarded the old newspapers that had piled up in the garage.
discomfortnounA slight or moderate feeling of physical pain or mental unease.She felt some discomfort in her lower back after the long flight.
disconnectverbTo break or undo the connection between two things, such as a device and a power source.Remember to disconnect the toaster before trying to remove the stuck bread.
discontinueverbTo stop doing, producing, or providing something that was previously ongoing.The manufacturer decided to discontinue the older model of the phone.
discountnounA reduction made from the usual price of a product or service.Students receive a fifteen percent discount on museum tickets with valid identification.
discourageverbTo cause someone to lose confidence, enthusiasm, or the will to continue with something.Repeated rejections nearly discouraged her from applying for any more jobs.
discoververbTo find something or learn a fact that you did not know before.We discovered a tiny nest beneath the porch roof.
disgracenounThe loss of reputation or respect that results from dishonorable or shameful behavior.The corruption scandal brought disgrace upon the entire administration.
disguisenounA costume, alteration, or pretense used to hide one's true identity or appearance.The spy wore a disguise to slip past the checkpoint unnoticed.
dishonestadjectiveNot truthful or fair; inclined to lie, cheat, or deceive.The dishonest salesman hid the car's accident history from every potential buyer.
disinfectverbTo clean a surface or object using a chemical substance that destroys harmful bacteria and germs.Nurses disinfect the equipment thoroughly between each patient visit.
dislikeverbTo have a feeling of distaste, disapproval, or aversion toward someone or something.He dislikes crowded places and avoids busy shopping malls whenever possible.
dismissverbTo officially remove someone from a job, or to decide that an idea or feeling is not worth considering.The manager dismissed two employees after the warehouse theft was discovered on camera.
disobeyverbTo refuse to follow a rule, order, or instruction given by someone with authority.Several students disobeyed the curfew and sneaked out of the dormitory after midnight.
disordernounA state of confusion or lack of organization, or a disturbance affecting health or behavior.Papers were scattered across the desk in complete disorder after the storm blew through the office.
disownverbTo refuse to accept someone, especially a family member, as belonging to you, often ending the relationship.Her parents threatened to disown her if she dropped out of medical school.
displaceverbTo force someone or something to move from its usual place or position, often replacing it.Rising floodwaters displaced thousands of families from their homes along the river.
displayverbTo put something in a visible place so that it can be seen by others.The bakery displayed its fresh pastries in the front window to attract passersby.
disposeverbTo get rid of something, or to arrange people or things in a particular way or state of mind.Please dispose of the batteries at a recycling center instead of the trash.
disproveverbTo show, using evidence or argument, that a claim, theory, or belief is false.New fossil evidence disproved the theory that the species had gone extinct centuries earlier.
disqualifyverbTo officially prevent someone from participating or winning because they broke a rule or lack a requirement.The runner was disqualified after officials confirmed she had stepped outside her lane.
disregardverbTo pay no attention to something or treat it as unimportant, especially deliberately.The driver disregarded the warning signs and continued down the flooded road.
disrespectnounA lack of respect or courtesy shown toward someone, often through rude words or actions.Interrupting the speaker repeatedly showed real disrespect for her time.
dissatisfyverbTo fail to meet someone's expectations or needs, leaving them unhappy or unfulfilled.The slow service and cold food dissatisfied nearly every customer at the new restaurant.
distrustnounA lack of trust or confidence in someone or something, often based on suspicion.Years of broken promises created deep distrust between the two neighboring countries.
disturbverbTo interrupt someone's activity, rest, or peace, or to move something from its settled state.Please do not disturb the guests resting in rooms along this corridor.
disloyaladjectiveNot faithful to a person, group, or cause; failing to support those who trust or depend on you.Colleagues called him disloyal after he leaked the team's plans to a rival company.

What does the prefix dis- mean?

The prefix dis- generally means not, apart, or the opposite of, so adding it to a root word reverses or negates the root's meaning. Agree becomes disagree, meaning not to agree, and honest becomes dishonest, meaning not honest. Noticing this pattern helps learners quickly work out the meaning of new dis- words they encounter while reading.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix dis- mean?

Dis- generally means not, apart, or the opposite, so it reverses the meaning of the root word it attaches to, as in disagree or dishonest.

What are some common words that start with dis?

Common examples include disagree, discover, discourage, dislike, and disorder, all built from a root word plus the prefix dis-.