abolition

noun

ab·​o·​li·​tion ˌa-bə-ˈli-shᵊn How to pronounce abolition (audio)
1
: the act of officially ending or stopping something : the act of abolishing something
abolition of the death penalty
2
: the act of officially ending slavery
a proponent of abolition
abolitionary adjective

Examples of abolition in a Sentence

the abolition of a law calls for the abolition of the death penalty
Recent Examples on the Web The same factors that have driven abolition of the death penalty in a growing number of states remain on display this week. Brian Stull, TIME, 27 Sep. 2024 The efforts by Black and white manumission activists during the 1780s and 1790s ultimately shifted New York legislators’ views of slavery: After a long battle, lawmakers enacted an act for the gradual abolition of slavery in the state, which took effect on July 4, 1799. Carolyn Eastman, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024 Some of the earliest Black media outlets, like Freedom’s Journal and Frederick Douglass’ NorthStar were established in the early 19th century and argued for the abolition of slavery and the political and social rights of Black folks. Keyaira Kelly, refinery29.com, 8 Aug. 2024 Yet despite the successes of concurrent social reform movements like the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and children’s rights, animal rights 1.0 now feels like a distant golden age. Crystal Heath, Vox, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abolition 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abolition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French abolition, borrowed from Latin abolitiōn-, abolitiō, from aboli-, variant stem of abolēre "to abolish" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abolition was in 1529

Dictionary Entries Near abolition

Cite this Entry

“Abolition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abolition. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

abolition

noun
ab·​o·​li·​tion ˌab-ə-ˈlish-ən How to pronounce abolition (audio)
1
: the act of officially ending or stopping something : the act of abolishing
2
: the abolishing of slavery
abolitionary adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on abolition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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