repeal

verb

re·​peal ri-ˈpēl How to pronounce repeal (audio)
repealed; repealing; repeals

transitive verb

1
: to rescind or annul by authoritative act
especially : to revoke or abrogate by legislative enactment
2
3
obsolete : to summon to return : recall
repeal noun
repealable adjective

Examples of repeal in a Sentence

the company called the furniture store to repeal the order for six new desks in 1933, Congress passed the 21st Amendment which repealed the Prohibition Amendment of 1919, thus making the sale, distribution, and use of alcohol legal once again
Recent Examples on the Web Critics say the law has contributed to higher gas prices in Washington state and should be repealed, which is what would happen if voters pass I-2117. Melissa Santos, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024 State lawmakers repealed the bill that month, restoring a 2022 state law restricting most abortions after 15 weeks’ gestation. Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Oct. 2024 Landry’s tax package would also repeal the corporate franchise tax and move the corporate income tax from a progressive structure with a top rate of 7.5% to a flat rate of 3.5%. Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 Fox anchor Bret Baier confronted Harris about the Biden administration’s decision to repeal Trump-era border policies, in what amounted to testy exchanges between the two. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for repeal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repeal.' 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

Middle English repelen, borrowed from Anglo-French repeler, rapeler, reapeler "to call back, bring back, recover, rescind, deter," from re- re- + apeler, appeler to call, summon, call before a court" — more at appeal entry 2

Note: Both the form and meaning of the Anglo-French verb have been influenced to some degree by Latin repellere "to push away, fend off" (see repel).

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of repeal was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near repeal

Cite this Entry

“Repeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repeal. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

repeal

verb
re·​peal ri-ˈpē(ə)l How to pronounce repeal (audio)
: to do away with especially by legislative action
repeal a law
repeal noun
repealable adjective

Legal Definition

repeal

transitive verb
re·​peal ri-ˈpēl How to pronounce repeal (audio)
: to rescind or annul by authoritative act
especially : to revoke or abrogate by legislative enactment
legislatures repealing statutes in light of a recent Supreme Court decision
repeal noun
Etymology

Anglo-French repeler, from Old French, from re- back + apeler to appeal, call, from Latin appellare to address, entreat, call by name

More from Merriam-Webster on repeal

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!