nullification

noun

nul·​li·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌnə-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce nullification (audio)
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
nullificationist noun

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 Carter’s Civil Aeronautics Board Example Conscious nullification was uppermost in mind when the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 shuttered the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 The first challenge to the court’s nullification of Kenyatta’s victory came almost immediately. Nic Cheeseman, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2017 In fact, the Supreme Court has said jurors do not have the right to know about their power of nullification. Chester Eduardo Fernández, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2024 Republicans voting for its nullification were apparently swayed by critics of the rule, including the livestock industry and energy companies that lease federal mineral rights, who worry the change could destabilize Western economies. Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 5 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for nullification 

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

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nullification was in 1798

Dictionary Entries Near nullification

Cite this Entry

“Nullification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nullification. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

nullification

noun
nul·​li·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌnəl-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce nullification (audio)
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 noun

Legal Definition

nullification

noun
nul·​li·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌnə-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce nullification (audio)
: the act of nullifying : the state of being nullified see also jury nullification
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!