revoke

play

verb re·voke \ri-ˈvōk\

Definition of revoke

revoked

;

revoking

transitive verb
1 : to annul by recalling or taking back : rescind revoke a will
2 : to bring or call back
intransitive verb
: to fail to follow suit when able in a card game in violation of the rules

revoker

noun

See revoke defined for English-language learners

See revoke defined for kids

Examples of revoke in a Sentence

The judge revoked her driver's license.
Their work permits were revoked.
Their privileges were revoked after they misbehaved.

Did You Know?

Since vocare means "to call" in Latin, to revoke is to "call back". Your driver's license could be revoked after about three convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol; some people's licenses are even revoked for life. You could get your passport revoked if a judge thought you had violated the terms of your bail and suspected you might skip the country. And if you're out of prison on probation and violate the terms of probation, it will probably be revoked and you'll end up back in the slammer.

Origin and Etymology of revoke

Middle English, from Anglo-French revocer, revoquer, from Latin revocare, from re- + vocare to call, from voc-, vox voice — more at voice

First Known Use: 14th century

revoke

noun re·voke

Definition of revoke

: an act or instance of revoking in a card game

1709

First Known Use of revoke

1709

REVOKE Defined for English Language Learners

revoke

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verb

Definition of revoke for English Language Learners

: to officially cancel the power or effect of (something, such as a law, license, agreement, etc.) : to make (something) not valid

REVOKE Defined for Kids

revoke

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verb re·voke \ri-ˈvōk\

Definition of revoke for Students

revoked

;

revoking

: to take away or cancel My driver's license was revoked.

Law Dictionary

revoke

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transitive verb re·voke \ri-ˈvōk\

Legal Definition of revoke

revoked

revoking

: to annul by recalling or taking back: as a : to destroy the effectiveness of (one's will) by executing another or by an act of destruction (as tearing in half) b : to put an end to (a trust) c : to withdraw (an offer) especially before acceptance d : to withdraw (acceptance of goods) by refusing to keep goods because of nonconformity — see also rejection e : to take back (as a license or a grant of parole or probation) especially because of misconduct