What is the opposite of “autoriser”?

What is the antonym of “autoriser”?

The antonyms of autoriser in French are interdire, refuser, and désapprouver. These words convey the opposite meaning of allowing or giving permission to do something.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

interdire

To prohibit or forbid someone from doing something.

Example

Le gouvernement a décidé d'interdire la vente de cigarettes aux mineurs. (The government has decided to ban the sale of cigarettes to minors.)

refuser

To decline or reject a request or proposal.

Example

Le directeur a refusé de donner une augmentation à ses employés. (The manager refused to give a raise to his employees.)

désapprouver

To express disapproval or negative judgment towards someone or something.

Example

Les parents ont désapprouvé le choix de carrière de leur fils. (The parents disapproved of their son's career choice.)

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Interdire is a stronger term than autoriser as it implies a complete prohibition or ban.
• 2. Refuser is a more specific term that denotes declining a request or proposal.
• 3. Désapprouver is a relational term that expresses disapproval or negative judgment towards someone or something.

Good things to know

• 1. Legal Documents: Use autoriser and interdire in legal documents to indicate permission or prohibition.
• 2. Everyday Conversations: Use refuser to decline requests or proposals politely.
• 3. Expressing Opinions: Use désapprouver to express disapproval or negative judgment towards someone or something.

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Remember this!

The antonyms of autoriser have distinct nuances: Interdire is a stronger term that implies a complete prohibition, refuser denotes declining a request or proposal, and désapprouver expresses disapproval or negative judgment. Use these words in legal documents, everyday conversations, and expressing opinions.