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superannuate

[soo-per-an-yoo-eyt]
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verb (used with object), su·per·an·nu·at·ed, su·per·an·nu·at·ing.
  1. to allow to retire from service or office on a pension because of age or infirmity.
  2. to set aside as out of date; remove as too old.
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verb (used without object), su·per·an·nu·at·ed, su·per·an·nu·at·ing.
  1. to be or become old, out of date, or retired.
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Origin of superannuate

First recorded in 1640–50; back formation from superannuated
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for superannuate

Historical Examples

  • A superannuate is one who has become impaired or disabled by length of years.

    Orthography

    Elmer W. Cavins

  • Nothing can superannuate its charm, nothing can quench its fascination.

  • But no time can superannuate the subjects which Burns has sung; they are rooted in the primary strata, which are steadfast.

    Robert Burns

    Principal Shairp.

  • He was as ready to offer compensation as we ourselves are when we superannuate a clerk or suppress an office.

British Dictionary definitions for superannuate

superannuate

verb (tr)
  1. to pension off
  2. to discard as obsolete or old-fashioned
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for superannuate

v.

1640s, back-formation from superannuated. Related: Superannuating.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper