Understanding the Distinction: Disbar vs. Debar

Understanding the Distinction: Disbar vs. Debar

Disbar vs. Debar: Understanding the Difference

Some English words look and sound alike but have different meanings. Two such words are “disbar” and “debar.” Let’s look at what each word means, how to use them, their history, tricks to remember them, and examples for better understanding.

History and Meaning

Disbar: The word “disbar” comes from legal language. It means to take away a lawyer’s right to practice law. When a lawyer does something wrong, they might be disbarred, or lose their job. Its roots relate to “bar,” the term for the legal profession.

Debar: “Debar” is used more broadly. It means to stop someone from having something or doing something. You can debar someone from entering a place, taking part in a game, or doing a task. Its origins are from “de-“, meaning “from” or “out of,” and “bar,” meaning to block.

How to Use Them

Both words talk about stopping someone from doing something, but they are used in different places.

• Disbar is used in legal contexts, mainly referring to lawyers losing their right to work.
• Debar is used in general situations where someone or something is blocked or stopped from doing something.

Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think about this:

• “Disbar” has “bar” like “barrister” (another word for lawyer). So, it is about lawyers.
• Think of “debar” as “door bar.” Debar means to bar a door for anyone, like stopping someone from entering or doing something.

Example Sentences

Using “Disbar”

1. The court decided to disbar the lawyer for breaking the rules.
2. If a lawyer is caught lying, they might be disbarred.
3. He was disbarred after the scandal became public.
4. The committee voted to disbar her due to unethical practices.
5. Once disbarred, he could no longer represent clients in court.

Using “Debar”

1. The company will debar anyone who cheats from joining the team.
2. He was debarred from entering the club because he was not a member.
3. The rules clearly debar them from participating in the contest.
4. The player faced debarment from the game for breaking the rules.
5. The new policy aims to debar those who do not meet the standards.

Summary

In summary, “disbar” specifically refers to taking away a lawyer’s right to practice law, while “debar” is about blocking or stopping someone from doing anything in general. Remembering the context of use and the simple trick can help anyone differentiate the two words easily.