invalidate

[in-val-i-deyt]

verb (used with object)

invalidated, invalidating 

1. to render invalid; discredit.

   Synonyms: rebut, refute, disprove, impair, weaken

2. to deprive of legal force or efficacy; nullify.

invalidate

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• invalidation noun
• invalidator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of invalidate¹

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

Example Sentences

Kalshi’s rise has been one of the most significant industry developments since the Supreme Court in 2018 invalidated a federal law prohibiting states from authorizing sports betting.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Nashville Church of Christ then sued Grant and her relatives, seeking to invalidate the requirements of the 1925 church deed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The IRS deemed that if you participate in one of these it invalidates your ability to contribute to an HSA. That restriction has been removed,” Robertson says.

Read more on Barron's

Adding to the suspicion, I was advised - if challenged over the ticket - to lie and say it was a free gift, because stadium staff "have an incentive to invalidate tickets".

Read more on BBC

The justices backed up that ruling a short time later, invalidating a federal law banning desecration of the flag that was passed in Johnson’s wake.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• abolish 
• abrogate 
• annul 
• discredit 
• disqualify 
• impair 
• negate 
• nullify 
• overrule 
• quash 
• revoke 
• undermine 
• undo