nullify

[nuhl-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

nullified, nullifying 

1. to render or declare legally void or inoperative.

   to nullify a contract.

   Synonyms: cancel, void, annul, invalidate

2. to deprive (something) of value or effectiveness; make futile or of no consequence.

   Synonyms: cancel, void, annul, invalidate

nullify

/ ˈnʌlɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to render legally void or of no effect

2. to render ineffective or useless; cancel out

Other Word Forms

• nullifier noun
• renullify verb (used with object)
• unnullified adjective
• nullification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nullify¹

First recorded in 1585–95, nullify is from the Late Latin word nūllificāre to despise. See nulli-, -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of nullify¹

C16: from Late Latin nullificāre to despise, from Latin nullus of no account + facere to make

Example Sentences

The Bruins coughed up two fumbles in the first half and would have lost a third had the Huskies not been called for defensive holding on the play, nullifying the turnover.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Perhaps for Sunderland it was more about getting into the heads of their opponents, to signal they were trying to find ways to nullify a particular threat.

Read more on BBC

"Frank will try to nullify Arsenal, who have not always been at their scintillating best this season - but Mikel Arteta's side usually still find a way to win."

Read more on BBC

He had made a 15-foot shot earlier, but the basket was nullified because of a foul called before the shot.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The introduction of robotic caregivers doesn’t nullify this responsibility but makes it more urgent.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• abolish 
• abrogate 
• annul 
• invalidate 
• negate 
• offset 
• quash 
• repeal 
• rescind 
• restrict 
• torpedo 
• undo 
• veto 
• void 
• wipe out