abolish

verb

abol·​ish ə-ˈbä-lish 

abolished; abolishing; abolishes

transitive verb

: to end the observance or effect of (something, such as a law) : to completely do away with (something) : annul

abolish a law

abolish slavery

abolishable

ə-ˈbä-li-shə-bəl 

adjective

abolisher noun

abolishment

ə-ˈbä-lish-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of abolish

• repeal
• cancel
• overturn

Examples of abolish in a Sentence

He is in favor of abolishing the death penalty.

the U.S. abolished slavery by constitutional amendment on December 6, 1865

Recent Examples on the Web

The nomination of Hamilton, who argued abolishing FEMA was not in the country’s best interests, is the latest indication of that change. —Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026

The nomination of Hamilton, who argued abolishing FEMA was not in the country’s best interests, is the latest indication of that change. —Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

Sacramento Councilmember Mai Vang, widely regarded as Matsui’s top opponent, has positioned herself as the progressive in the race and is running on abolishing ICE completely. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2026

In 2018, France abolished its wealth tax, and Spain added one of its own a bit later. —Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abolysshen, borrowed from Middle French aboliss-, stem of abolir "to abolish," borrowed from Latin abolēre "to destroy, efface, put an end to," perhaps formed from abolēscere "to shrivel up, be effaced, fall into disuse," from ab- ab- + -ol-, medial form of the base of alere "to nourish, bring up" + -ēsc-, inchoative suffix — more at old entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for abolish

• demolish
• gaulish
• polish
• smallish

Kids Definition

abolish

verb

abol·​ish ə-ˈbäl-ish 

: to do away with completely : put an end to

abolishable

-ə-bəl 

adjective

abolisher noun

abolishment

-mənt 

noun

Legal Definition

abolish

transitive verb

abol·​ish

: to end the observance or effect of : annul