online medical dictionary | definition of dissent

1. To differ in opinion; to be of unlike or contrary sentiment; to disagree; followed by from. "The bill passed . . . Without a dissenting voice." (Hallam) "Opinions in which multitudes of men dissent from us." (Addison)

2. To differ from an established church in regard to doctrines, rites, or government.

3. To differ; to be of a contrary nature.

Origin: L. Dissentire, dissentum; dis- + sentire to feel, think. See Sense.

1. The act of dissenting; difference of opinion; refusal to adopt something proposed; nonagreement, nonconcurrence, or disagreement. "The dissent of no small number [of peers] is frequently recorded." (Hallam)

2. Separation from an established church, especially that of England; nonconformity. "It is the dissidence of dissent and the protestantism of the Protestant religion." (Burke)

3. Contrariety of nature; diversity in quality. "The dissent of the metals." (Bacon)

Synonyms: Disagreement, variance, difference, nonconcurrence, nonconformity.

(01 Mar 1998)