Understanding Disbarment: Definition, Examples, and Consequences

Disbar is a verb that means to deprive someone of their professional or social standing, especially by stripping them of their licence or membership in a particular organization. It can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where someone is excluded from a group or community.

For example, if a lawyer is disbarred, it means that they have been stripped of their license to practice law and are no longer allowed to work as an attorney. Similarly, if a member of a professional association is disbarred, it means that they have been expelled from the organization and are no longer considered a member.

The word "disbar" is derived from the Old French word "desbarrer," which means "to bar or obstruct." It has been used in English since the 14th century, and is still commonly used today in legal and professional contexts.