abrogation

American  

[ab-ruh-gey-shuhn] / ˌæb rəˈgeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of abrogating, or repealing.

   abrogation of the treaty's responsibility.

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Etymology

Origin of abrogation

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin abrogātiōn-, stem of abrogātiō “a repeal,” equivalent to abrogāt(us), past participle of abrogāre “to repeal” + -iō -ion ( def. ); see abrogate ( def. )

Explanation

Abrogation is the act of canceling, nullifying, or repealing something, almost always in an official or legal context. To abrogate something is to repeal or cancel it, so abrogation is the act of repealing or canceling. This is mainly a legal term. Abrogation occurs whenever an old law or rule is abolished, like when slavery was outlawed. The abrogation of a lease means it is no longer valid and binding. The annulment of a marriage — which legally wipes out the marriage, as if it never happened — is also a type of abrogation.

Example Sentences

I wouldn’t be surprised if Westside residents who lost everything try to recall the mayor for her supposed abrogation of duty.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2025

So the party's decision not to field any candidates in the ongoing general election - the first in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 - has come as a surprise to many.

From BBC • May 10, 2024

“If the state chooses for a human being who to fall in love with,” he said, “that would be the greatest abrogation of our most basic rights.”

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2023

So a lot of this has been an abrogation by Congress.

From Slate • Aug. 27, 2020

It is not permitted for a man to say that it is against his religious beliefs to pay taxes, or that he feels that it is an abrogation of his own personal freedom.

From Average Americans by Roosevelt, Theodore

Related Words

• annulment
• repudiation