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

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

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

It was his second touchdown catch in three plays, as the first was nullified because Harbaugh had called timeout an instant before the snap.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

South Africa hammered Ireland in the scrum, leading many pundits to question how other sides can even get close to nullifying their forward power.

Read more on Barron's

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

Related Words

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