negate

[ni-geyt, neg-eyt]

verb (used with object)

negated, negating 

1. to deny the existence, evidence, or truth of.

   an investigation tending to negate any supernatural influences.

2. to nullify or cause to be ineffective.

   Progress on the study has been negated by the lack of funds.

verb (used without object)

negated, negating 

1. to be negative; bring or cause negative results.

   a pessimism that always negates.

negate

/ nɪˈɡeɪt /

verb

1. to make ineffective or void; nullify; invalidate

2. to deny or contradict

Other Word Forms

• negator noun
• negater noun
• renegate verb (used with object)
• self-negating adjective
• unnegated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of negate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin negātus “denied,” past participle of negāre “to deny, refuse,” from neg-, variant of nec “not”; neglect

Word History and Origins

Origin of negate¹

C17: from Latin negāre, from neg-, variant of nec not + aio I say

Related Words

• annihilate 
• belie 
• cancel out 
• disallow 
• disprove 
• invalidate 
• neutralize 
• nullify 
• rebut 
• reverse 
• undo 
• vitiate 
• void