repeal

American  

[ri-peel] / rɪˈpil /

verb (used with object)

1. to revoke or withdraw formally or officially.

   to repeal a grant.

2. to revoke or annul (a law, tax, duty, etc.) by express legislative enactment; abrogate.

   Synonyms:

   invalidate, rescind, abolish, nullify

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noun

1. the act of repealing; revocation; abrogation.

repeal ¹ British  

/ rɪˈpiːl /

verb

1. to annul or rescind officially (something previously ordered); revoke

   these laws were repealed

2. obsolete to call back (a person) from exile

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noun

1. an instance or the process of repealing; annulment

Repeal ² British  

/ rɪˈpiːl /

noun

1. (esp in the 19th century) the proposed dissolution of the Union between Great Britain and Ireland

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Other Word Forms

• nonrepealable adjective
• repealability noun
• repealable adjective
• repealableness noun
• repealer noun
• unrepealability noun
• unrepealable adjective
• unrepealed adjective

Etymology

Origin of repeal

1275–1325; Middle English repelen < Anglo-French repeler, equivalent to re- re- + ( a ) peler to appeal

Example Sentences

To strengthen their findings, the researchers examined the repeal of "blue laws," which had previously restricted many businesses from operating on Sundays.

From Science Daily

Mr. Teuscher added that the repeal “allows us to step back, to lower the temperature and to create space for a clearer and more constructive conversation.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The bill became law but was repealed after a court fight.

From Salon

Until their repeal, these rules allowed the flourishing of independent production houses and the rise of cable television.

From MarketWatch

The measure drew widespread threats of boycotts by sports leagues and corporations, prompting its repeal the following year.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abolish
• abrogate
• annul
• cancel
• dismantle
• invalidate
• lift
• nullify
• rescind
• reverse
• revoke
• set aside
• void
• wipe out
• withdraw