Definition of the word disqualify

The word "disqualify" originates from the Latin phrase "disqualis," which means "unworthy" or "unfit." This Latin phrase is a combination of "dis-" (meaning "not" or "without") and "qualis" (meaning "worthy" or "fit"). The word "disqualify" entered the English language in the 15th century and initially meant "to make unworthy" or "to render unfit." Over time, its meaning expanded to include the sense of "to exclude from participation or competition" due to a lack of qualifications, fitness, or suitability. Today, the word is commonly used in various contexts, such as sports, politics, and professional settings, to describe the act of rendering someone or something unfit or ineligible for a particular role or activity.