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 tech industry has fiercely lobbied against efforts to modify or abolish Section 230, as it is considered a cornerstone of Silicon Valley’s growth over the past 30 years. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026

Stratton cast herself as the most progressive choice, supporting policies such as a $25 minimum wage and abolishing ICE, and managed to overcome a significant financial disadvantage. —Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026

The president is requesting that mail-in voting be abolished, with exceptions for military, travel or illness. —Faith Bugenhagen, Austin American Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026

Most of the candidates in the race have supported progressive campaign platforms, including backing Medicare for all or some other form of universal healthcare, providing a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and significantly overhauling or abolishing ICE. —CBS News, 17 Mar. 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