annul

[uh-nuhl]

verb (used with object)

annulled, annulling 

1. (especially of laws or other established rules, usages, etc.) to make void or null; abolish; cancel; invalidate.

   to annul a marriage.

   Synonyms: repeal, rescind, nullify

2. to reduce to nothing; obliterate.

3. to cancel (a regularly scheduled train, plane, social event, etc.) for one day or one time only.

annul

/ əˈnʌl /

verb

1. (tr) to make (something, esp a law or marriage) void; cancel the validity of; abolish

Other Word Forms

• annullable adjective
• self-annulling adjective
• unannullable adjective
• unannulled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of annul¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Anglo-French annuler < Late Latin adnūllāre render null (calque of Greek exoudeneîn ), equivalent to ad- ad- + -nullāre, verbal derivative of Latin nūllus no, not any

Word History and Origins

Origin of annul¹

C14: from Old French annuller, from Late Latin annullāre to bring to nothing, from Latin nullus not any; see _null

Example Sentences

Judges on the constitutional council dismissed eight petitions, citing insufficient evidence of irregularities or a lack of jurisdiction to annul results.

Read more on BBC

Significant disruptions to internet access "could limit coverage of events on the ground amid calls to annul the presidential election results," according to internet monitor NetBlocks.

Read more on Barron's

Judges on the Constitutional Council dismissed eight petitions, citing insufficient evidence of irregularities or a lack of jurisdiction to annul results.

Read more on BBC

The Church was established in the 16th century by Henry VIII, the king who broke with the Catholic church over its refusal to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

Read more on Barron's

Opposition parties dismiss talk of Russian meddling as a "political show" claiming the government is laying the ground to annul the vote should PAS lose its majority in parliament.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• abolish 
• abrogate 
• cancel 
• declare 
• delete 
• dissolve 
• expunge 
• invalidate 
• nullify 
• quash 
• repeal 
• rescind 
• retract 
• reverse 
• revoke 
• undo 
• vacate