WordValedisbar
to expel a lawyer from the profession
In more detail
to officially remove someone (especially a lawyer) from practicing their profession, usually as punishment for professional misconduct or violation of rules
Examples
- The bar association voted to disbar the attorney for stealing from her clients.
How to use disbar
Disbar is a formal, legal term primarily used in professional contexts, especially regarding lawyers, though it can apply to other regulated professions. It implies permanent removal following official disciplinary proceedings, distinguishing it from temporary suspension. The term is more common in American English legal discourse.
Common phrases
- disbar a lawyer
- disbar from practice
- disbar for misconduct
- be disbarred
- grounds for disbarring
Synonyms
expel · remove · strike off · suspend · delist
Opposites
admit · license · enroll
Word family
disbarment (noun) · disbarred (adjective/past participle)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse disbar with disbar (different meaning); note that disbar specifically refers to removing professional status, not simply disagreeing with or criticizing someone's conduct.
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