prefix forming nouns, adjectives, and verbs: 1 expressing negation (dishonest). 2 indicating reversal or absence of an action or state (disengage; disbelieve). 3 indicating removal of a thing or quality (dismember; disable). 4 indicating separation (distinguish; dispose). 5 indicating completeness or intensification of the action (disembowel; disgruntled). 6 indicating expulsion from (disbar).
[ L dis-, sometimes through OF des- ]