Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

diriment

American  
[dir-uh-muhnt] / ˈdɪr ə mənt /

adjective

  1. causing to become wholly void; nullifying.


diriment British  
/ ˈdɪrɪmənt /

adjective

  1. (of an impediment to marriage in canon law) totally invalidating

  2. rare nullifying

"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

Etymology

Origin of diriment

1840–50; < Latin diriment-, stem of dirimēns, present participle of dirimere; see diremption

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.

When an Impediment Is Discovered after Marriage.—A diriment impediment or other invalidating defect is sometimes discovered after the celebration of marriage.

From Moral Theology A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by Callan, Charles Jerome

Example: In itself, it is not unlawful to make an informal will, but it is unlawful to marry with a diriment impediment.

From Moral Theology A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by Callan, Charles Jerome

The impediment of disparity of worship became diriment through custom; it was custom that introduced the obligation of the Divine Office, and that mitigated the early law of fast.

From Moral Theology A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by Callan, Charles Jerome

If an irritant clause is added, the prohibition has the force of a diriment impediment.

From Moral Theology A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by Callan, Charles Jerome

The instruments used to render its strict theory ineffective are "diriment impediments" and "dispensations."

From A Short History of Women's Rights From the Days of Augustus to the Present Time. with Special Reference to England and the United States. Second Edition Revised, With Additions. by Hecker, Eugene Arthur

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

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

Take me to Vocabulary.com