abrogate

American  

[ab-ruh-geyt] / ˈæb rəˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

abrogated, abrogating

1. to abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal.

   to abrogate a law.

   Synonyms:

   invalidate, void, nullify, rescind, revoke, cancel

   Antonyms:

   preserve, establish, ratify

2. to put aside; put an end to.

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abrogate British  

/ ˈæbrəʊˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul

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Other Word Forms

• abrogable
  adjective
• abrogation
  noun
• abrogative
  adjective
• abrogator
  noun
• nonabrogable
  adjective
• unabrogable
  adjective
• unabrogated
  adjective
• unabrogative
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of abrogate

1520–30; < Latin abrogātus repealed (past participle of abrogāre ). See ab-, rogation, -ate ¹

Explanation

Abrogate means to abolish or avoid. When someone cuts in front of you in line, they are abrogating your right to be the next one served. When you cut in line, you are abrogating your responsibility to those who were in line before you. The Latin root of this word is made up of the prefix ab- "away" and rogare "to propose a law." What does it mean if you propose a law away? You repeal it, of course, so abrogate means to officially revoke, cancel or abolish. The meaning of this word has expanded a bit since its earliest usage, but it still appears most often in a legal or political context, or when serious rights and responsibilities are being discussed.

Related Words

• abolish
• annul
• invalidate
• nullify
• quash
• renege
• repeal
• revoke
• undo