annul

an·nul

transitive verb \ə-ˈnəl\

an·nulledan·nul·ling

Definition of ANNUL

1

: to reduce to nothing : obliterate

2

: to make ineffective or inoperative : neutralize <annul the drug's effect>

3

: to declare or make legally invalid or void <wants the marriage annulled>

Examples of ANNUL

1. <unfortunately, his arrogant attitude annuls the many generous favors he does for people>
2. <plans to annul their short-lived, ill-advised marriage>

Origin of ANNUL

Middle English annullen, from Anglo-French annuller, from Late Latin annullare, from Latin ad- + nullus not any — more at null

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ANNUL

Synonyms

offset, cancel (out), compensate (for), correct, counteract, counterbalance, counterpoise, make up (for), negative, neutralize

Related Words

invalidate, negate, neuter, nullify; atone (for); outbalance, outweigh, redeem; redress, relieve, remedy; override, overrule

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

See Synonym Discussion at nullify

Rhymes with ANNUL

mogul, numskull, pas seul, seagull