nullification

noun

nul·​li·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌnə-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of nullifying : the state of being nullified

2

: the action of a state impeding or attempting to prevent the operation and enforcement within its territory of a law of the U.S.

3

: jury nullification

nullificationist

ˌnə-lə-fə-ˈkā-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms of nullification

• abolition
• repeal

Examples of nullification in a Sentence

an act aimed at curbing sedition that was perhaps the most serious attempt at nullification of freedom of the press in the nation's history

Recent Examples on the Web

The part that's less straightforward is the nullification of cause and effect. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 18 Sep. 2025

The line between legitimate oversight and the nullification of elections would no longer hold. — Matthew J. Frauenfeld, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025

Its language, however, threatened to do far more than undo the nullification of state anti-sedition laws. — Time, 14 Nov. 2025

That nullification earned Goldman a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, his first time in the president’s office. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nullification

• jury nullification

Rhymes for nullification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

nullification

noun

nul·​li·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌnəl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act of nullifying : the state of being nullified

2

: the action of a state blocking or attempting to prevent the enforcement within its territory of a federal law of the U.S.

nullificationist

-sh(ə-)nəst 

noun

Legal Definition

nullification

noun

nul·​li·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌnə-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: the act of nullifying : the state of being nullified see also jury nullification