abolish

abol·ish

verb \ə-ˈbä-lish\

Definition of ABOLISH

transitive verb

1

: to end the observance or effect of : annul <abolish a law> <abolish slavery>

2

: destroy

— abol·ish·able \-li-shə-bəl\ adjective

— abol·ish·er noun

— abol·ish·ment \-mənt\ noun

Examples of ABOLISH

1. He is in favor of abolishing the death penalty.
2. <the U.S. abolished slavery by constitutional amendment on December 6, 1865>

Origin of ABOLISH

Middle English abolisshen, from Middle French aboliss-, stem of abolir, from Latin abolēre; probably akin to adolescere to grow up — more at adult

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ABOLISH

Synonyms: abate, abrogate, annul, avoid, cancel, disannul, dissolve, invalidate, negate, null, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, roll back, strike down, vacate, void, do away with, set aside

Related Words: countermand, override, overrule, overturn, veto; abort, call, call off, drop, recall, retract, reverse, revoke, suspend, withdraw; ban, enjoin, forbid, outlaw, prohibit; disallow, dismiss, reject; annihilate, break down, eliminate, eradicate, erase, liquidate, remove, throw out, write off

Near Antonyms: enact, lay down, legislate; establish, found, institute; formalize, legalize, legitimate, legitimize, validate; pass, ratify; allow, approve, authorize, clear, endorse (also indorse), permit, sanction, warrant; command, decree, mandate, order, prescribe

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Rhymes with ABOLISH

demolish