Synonyms

nullification

American

[nuhl-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌnʌl ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

an act or instance of nullifying.
the state of being nullified.
the failure or refusal of a U.S. state to aid in enforcement of federal laws within its limits, especially on Constitutional grounds.

nullification Cultural

The doctrine that states can set aside federal laws. Urged in the late 1820s by John C. Calhoun, nullification precipitated a crisis between Calhoun and President Andrew Jackson. The doctrine was foreshadowed by Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Kentucky Resolutions. (See Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.)

Other Word Forms

nonnullification noun
nullificationist noun
nullificator noun
renullification noun

Etymology

Origin of nullification

First recorded in 1620–30; from Late Latin nūllificātiōn- (stem of nūllificātiō ) “contempt,” equivalent to nūllificāt(us) (past participle of nūllificāre “to despise, contemn”) + -iōn- -ion; nullify

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.

While upholding Carter’s nullification of the other leases, including the Brentwood School’s use of 22 acres for athletic facilities, the panel said the judge went too far in prohibiting the VA from renegotiating those leases.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the earliest examples of jury nullification in North America, this case influenced the Founders as they moved to guarantee public trials by jury in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

From The Wall Street Journal

The decision drew criticism from Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, who called it “a state court judge’s hasty nullification.”

From Salon

“I see a very real risk of jury nullification in the case. I haven't seen something like this since OJ, where there is so much sympathy for the accused.”

From Salon

Yet David Kwok, director of the Criminal Justice Institute at the University of Houston Law Center, called jury nullification an important concept in justice.

From Seattle Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023