dis-

prefix

Etymology: From Middle English dis-, borrowed from Latin dis-, from Proto-Indo-European *dwís. Piecewise doublet of bis-; further related to bi-, di-, and twi-. Often confused with the separately inherited prefix dys-.

1. Not, the reverse of. (Especially forming words with a negative connotation)

   “dis- + agree → disagree”

   “dis- + connect → disconnect”

2. Expressing separation or removal.

   “dis- + card → discard (“to throw out a card”)”

   “dis- + bar → disbar (“to expel from the bar”)”

3. Used as an intensifier.

   “dis- + embowel → disembowel”

   “dis- + annul → disannul (“to annul”)”

4. Alternative form of dys- (“incorrect”).

   “dis- + function → disfunction”