abrogation

American  

[ab-ruh-gey-shuhn] / ˌæb rəˈgeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of abrogating, or repealing.

   abrogation of the treaty's responsibility.

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Etymology

Origin of abrogation

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin abrogātiōn-, stem of abrogātiō “a repeal,” equivalent to abrogāt(us), past participle of abrogāre “to repeal” + -iō -ion ( def. ); see abrogate ( def. )

Explanation

Abrogation is the act of canceling, nullifying, or repealing something, almost always in an official or legal context. To abrogate something is to repeal or cancel it, so abrogation is the act of repealing or canceling. This is mainly a legal term. Abrogation occurs whenever an old law or rule is abolished, like when slavery was outlawed. The abrogation of a lease means it is no longer valid and binding. The annulment of a marriage — which legally wipes out the marriage, as if it never happened — is also a type of abrogation.

Example Sentences

I wouldn’t be surprised if Westside residents who lost everything try to recall the mayor for her supposed abrogation of duty.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2025

Mr Samiullah and Mr Rashid started FastBeetle in 2019, just six months before the abrogation of Article 370.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2023

In the new ruling, the judges said that Oklahoma’s 1910 public nuisance law typically referred to an abrogation of a public right like access to roads or clean water or air.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2021

“It would be an abrogation of the process that we set in motion,” said Richard O. Harrell III of South Boston, Va.

From Washington Post • Aug. 17, 2021

"No," says the Bahai, "the destroying is figurative, and means simply the abrogation of their authority."

From Bahaism and Its Claims A Study of the Religion Promulgated by Baha Utlah and Abdul Baha by Wilson, Samuel Graham

Related Words

• annulment
• repudiation