rescind

[ri-sind]

verb (used with object)

1. to abrogate; annul; revoke; repeal.

   Synonyms: withdraw, retract, nullify

2. to invalidate (an act, measure, etc.) by a later action or a higher authority.

   Synonyms: veto, repeal, countermand

rescind

/ rɪˈsɪnd /

verb

1. (tr) to annul or repeal

Other Word Forms

• rescinder noun
• rescindable adjective
• rescindment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rescind¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin rescindere “to tear off again, cut away,” equivalent to re- re- + scindere “to tear, divide, destroy”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rescind¹

C17: from Latin rēscindere to cut off, from re- (intensive) + scindere to cut

Example Sentences

The refusal to rescind the policy injects uncertainty into the coming trade talks, leaving the door open for a new cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It would rescind a mandate issued by former President Bill Clinton that agencies are required to provide language assistance to non-English speakers.

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Perhaps some future president might try to rescind the memo or ignore the statute.

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Suddenly, her lawsuit said, the offer was rescinded with little explanation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It has rescinded official guidance that said schools had to provide language help and other services for students who are learning English, contradicting long-established federal law.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• abolish 
• abrogate 
• annul 
• cancel 
• dismantle 
• invalidate 
• lift 
• overturn 
• quash 
• renege 
• repeal 
• retract 
• reverse 
• revoke 
• set aside 
• void