dissent
strong and often public disagreement with the ideas or decisions of people in power or of most people in a group.
Disagreement with an official decision, commonly accepted idea, or the opinion of those in power, especially when it is expressed publicly or formally.
to say or show that you do not agree with the main or official opinion, especially in a formal or serious situation.
To hold or express an opinion that is different from or opposed to the official or majority view.
a written statement from a judge explaining why he or she does not agree with the other judges in a legal case.
In law, a written opinion by one or more judges who disagree with the majority decision in a case.
not following the official church's rules or beliefs, especially in history.
Refusal to accept or follow the beliefs, practices, or authority of an established or state-supported church, especially in historical contexts.
- Base: dissent
- Plural: dissent
- Base: dissent
- 3rd Person Singular: dissents
- Present Participle: dissenting
- Past: dissented
a note of dissent
1small sign of disagreement
a small but clear statement that shows someone does not agree, when most people agree.
- There was only a single note of dissent at the otherwise cheerful meeting.
- A note of dissent came from younger members of the team.
- Her report introduced a quiet note of dissent into the discussion.
brooks no dissent
1does not tolerate disagreement
does not allow any disagreement at all.
- His leadership style brooks no dissent.
- The coach brooks no dissent when it comes to training rules.
- This manager brooks no dissent on safety procedures.
crack down on dissent
1use force to stop disagreement
to act in a strong and often harsh way to stop people from showing that they disagree with the government or leaders.
- The government has begun to crack down on dissent ahead of the election.
- Authorities are cracking down on dissent by arresting protest leaders.
- Human rights groups criticized the military for cracking down on dissent.
dissent from the majority
1oppose the majority view
to disagree with what most people think or have decided.
- Only two members dissented from the majority.
- He was often willing to dissent from the majority on key votes.
- Judges rarely dissent from the majority in such cases.
dissenting opinion
1judicial opinion in the minority
a written statement by a judge saying why he or she does not agree with the main decision of the court.
- Justice Lee wrote a powerful dissenting opinion in the case.
- The dissenting opinion argued that the law violated free speech rights.
- Law students were asked to compare the majority decision and the dissenting opinion.
room for dissent
1space to disagree safely
a situation where people are allowed to disagree without being punished.
- Healthy organizations leave room for dissent and debate.
- There is little room for dissent in that political party.
- The new policy leaves no room for dissent within the ranks.
voice dissent
1express disagreement openly
to say clearly that you do not agree with something, especially in a meeting or public place.
- Several members voiced dissent during the discussion.
- Employees who voiced dissent were excluded from the next round of talks.
- Only a few students were brave enough to voice dissent about the policy.
stifle dissent
1suppress open disagreement
To stop people from saying that they do not agree, especially in politics or organizations.
- Critics say the new law is designed to stifle dissent.
- The government used strict rules to stifle dissent among journalists.
- Leaders should listen to concerns, not stifle dissent.
stifle dissent
2prevent expression of disagreement
to stop people from saying or showing that they disagree.
- The new rules are seen as an attempt to stifle dissent on campus.
- Critics say the company is trying to stifle dissent among employees.
- These laws could stifle dissent and weaken democracy.