nullification

[ nuhl-uh-fi-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of nullifying.
2. the state of being nullified.
3. the failure or refusal of a U.S. state to aid in enforcement of federal laws within its limits, especially on Constitutional grounds.

nullification

1. The doctrine that states can set aside federal laws. Urged in the late 1820s by John C. Calhoun , nullification precipitated a crisis between Calhoun and President Andrew Jackson . The doctrine was foreshadowed by Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Kentucky Resolutions. ( See Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions .)

Other Words From

• nul·li·fi·ca·tion·ist nul·li·fi·ca·tor noun
• non·nul·li·fi·ca·tion noun
• re·nul·li·fi·ca·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nullification¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Late Latin nūllificātiōn- (stem of nūllificātiō ) “contempt,” equivalent to nūllificāt(us) (past participle of nūllificāre “to despise, contemn”) + -iōn- -ion; nullify

Example Sentences

Yet David Kwok, director of the Criminal Justice Institute at the University of Houston Law Center, called jury nullification an important concept in justice.

From Seattle Times

Both times the presumptive 2024 GOP nominee escaped culpability because of “jury nullification” carried out by the Boss’ Republican knaves in the Senate.

From Salon

Essentially, Abbott and the other GOP governors are calling for "nullification" a concept we thought we had settled with the Civil War.

From Salon

Given the Electoral College, voter nullification and voter suppression, gerrymandering and other structural failings in American “democracy” there is a very real and growing probability that Donald Trump will return to power in 2025.

From Salon

It was not immediately clear whether the suspension would effectively result in the nullification of the primary vote.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• abolishment
• abrogation
• annulment
• revocation