abrogate

American  

[ab-ruh-geyt] / ˈæb rəˌgeɪt /

verb (used with object)

abrogated, abrogating

1. to abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal.

   to abrogate a law.

   Synonyms:

   invalidate, void, nullify, rescind, revoke, cancel

   Antonyms:

   preserve, establish, ratify

2. to put aside; put an end to.

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abrogate British  

/ ˈæbrəʊˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to cancel or revoke formally or officially; repeal; annul

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Other Word Forms

• abrogable adjective
• abrogation noun
• abrogative adjective
• abrogator noun
• nonabrogable adjective
• unabrogable adjective
• unabrogated adjective
• unabrogative adjective

Etymology

Origin of abrogate

1520–30; < Latin abrogātus repealed (past participle of abrogāre ). See ab-, rogation, -ate ¹

Explanation

Abrogate means to abolish or avoid. When someone cuts in front of you in line, they are abrogating your right to be the next one served. When you cut in line, you are abrogating your responsibility to those who were in line before you. The Latin root of this word is made up of the prefix ab- "away" and rogare "to propose a law." What does it mean if you propose a law away? You repeal it, of course, so abrogate means to officially revoke, cancel or abolish. The meaning of this word has expanded a bit since its earliest usage, but it still appears most often in a legal or political context, or when serious rights and responsibilities are being discussed.

Example Sentences

Did the attorney general really abrogate his duty to supervise Mr. Smith’s work?

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

While there was pressure to abrogate the Indus Waters Treaty - a key river water sharing agreement - India opted instead to withhold any data beyond treaty obligations, Mr Bisaria writes.

From BBC • May 2, 2025

Duterte took steps, which he later withdrew, to abrogate a key security agreement with the U.S. that allowed large numbers of American forces to enter the Philippines for combat exercises.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2023

“Wheatley’s acceptable rating this year does not abrogate my prior legal requirement to intervene based on the seven consecutive unacceptable ratings.”

From Washington Post • Mar. 15, 2023

After the union of Holland and Belgium, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, William of Holland attempted to abrogate many of the rights of the Beguines and confiscate much of their property.

From The Century of Columbus by Walsh, James J.

Related Words

• abolish
• annul
• invalidate
• nullify
• quash
• renege
• repeal
• revoke
• undo