Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

invalidate

American  
[in-val-i-deyt] / ɪnˈvæl ɪˌdeɪt /

verb (used with object)

invalidates, present (3rd person singular) invalidated, past participle, past invalidating present participle
  1. to render invalid; discredit.

    Synonyms:
    rebut, refute, disprove, impair, weaken
  2. to deprive of legal force or efficacy; nullify.


invalidate British  
/ ɪnˈvælɪˌdeɪt /

verb

  1. to render weak or ineffective, as an argument

  2. to take away the legal force or effectiveness of; annul, as a contract

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of invalidate

First recorded in 1640–50; invalid 2 + -ate 1

Explanation

If administrators find out that students cheated on a test, the school might invalidate their class grades. To invalidate means to cancel something or make it void, as if it never happened. In invalidate you see the word valid which means true or correct. When you invalidate something you are making it less true, less official, or less correct. If you buy something that doesn't work properly and then try to fix it yourself, you invalidate the warranty. If you have a wacky theory that cars grow from trees, your teacher might invalidate your theory by taking you on a tour of an auto factory.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing invalidate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“In fact,” she said, “the judge gave us what we wanted most: Invalidate the EIR and halt all state work at the reserve.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2023

What men say I was will cool no cannon, dull no sword, Invalidate no truth.

From The Three Taverns by Robinson, Edwin Arlington

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "invalidate" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com