dis-

dis- [dis; ] in some words [, diz]

[< ME or OFr or L; OFr des- < L dis- < IE * dis- (< * dwis-, twice, in two < base * dwi-: see BI-¹) > OE te-, OHG zi-, Goth dis-] prefix

1. forming verbs

a) away, apart [dismiss, disperse]

b) to deprive of, expel from [disfrock, disbar]

c) to cause to be the opposite of [disable]

d) to fail, cease, refuse to [dissatisfy, disappear, disallow]

e) to do the opposite of [disjoin, disintegrate]: also used as an intensifier [disannul]

2. forming adjectives not, the opposite of, un- [dishonest, dissatisfied, displeasing]

3. forming nouns opposite of, lack of [disease, disunion]: In words of Latin origin it becomes di- before b, d, g, l, m, n, r, or v; and dif- before f