abolish

abol·ish

transitive verb \ə-ˈbä-lish\

Definition of ABOLISH

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

Rhymes with ABOLISH

demolish